What is the difference between lab-made zeolite and naturally mined zeolite?

Lab-grown zeolite is produced in a laboratory under controlled conditions and with a specific composition. In contrast, mined zeolite is extracted from the earth in its natural form and is typically processed to eliminate impurities. Lab-grown zeolite can only include the elements that are deliberately added during the controlled process, while mined zeolite may contain trace amounts of various elements. Among the 245 unique zeolite frameworks recognized by the International Zeolite Association Structure Commission, more than 40 occur naturally.

Naturally occurring zeolites are rarely pure and often contain varying degrees of contamination from other minerals, metals, quartz, or additional zeolites. Some impurities are merely adsorbed within the zeolite’s pores, while others are integral to its structure. Acid treatments at high temperatures can eliminate many of these impurities. However, extracting too many structural atoms compromises the integrity of the zeolite framework, causing the essential toxin-binding cages to collapse. Consequently, the zeolite becomes increasingly ineffective as regions within the structure become obstructed. In essence, the pursuit of greater purity is counterbalanced by diminished functionality, making it challenging to fully purify a naturally occurring zeolite of all its impurities while still maintaining its full potency.