ETYM Greek zein to boil + -lite: cf. French zéolithe.
Any of the hydrous aluminum silicates, also containing sodium, calcium, barium, strontium, or potassium, chiefly found in igneous rocks and characterized by a ready loss or gain of water. Zeolites are used as “molecular sieves” to separate mixtures because they are capable of selective absorption. They have a high ion-exchange capacity and can be used to make gasoline, benzene, and toluene from low-grade raw materials, such as coal and methanol.
A term now used to designate any one of a family of minerals, hydrous silicates of alumina, with lime, soda, potash, or rarely baryta.