Clinoptilolite

• Clinoptilolite -K: K6 ( Si30Al6 ) O72 · 20H2O
• Clinoptilolite - Na: Na6 ( Si30Al6 ) O72 · 20H2O
• Clinoptilolite - Ca: Ca3 ( Si30Al6 ) O72 · 20H2O

Clinoptilolite is the collective name for a group of unspecified minerals from the group of zeolites within the mineral class of " silicates and Germanates ". These are the end members of a complete mixed batch with the following idealized compositions:

• Clinoptilolite - Ca: Ca3 ( Si30Al6 ) O72 · 20H2O
• Clinoptilolite -K: K6 ( Si30Al6 ) O72 · 20H2O
• Clinoptilolite - Na: Na6 ( Si30Al6 ) O72 · 20H2O

So Chemically, it is hydrated alumino-silicates with calcium, potassium or sodium cations as connecting. All clinoptilolites crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system and belong structurally to the framework silicates.

Clinoptilolites usually develop tabular crystals, but also come in the form of fine -grained to massive mineral aggregates before. In its pure form clinoptilolites are colorless and transparent. Through multiple refraction due to lattice defects or polycrystalline training but they can also appear white and accept by foreign admixtures a yellowish white to reddish white color, the transparency decreases accordingly.

The group of clinoptilolites is one of the most frequently occurring zeolites and industry plays a major role.

Etymology and history

Clinoptilolite was named in accordance to the related mineral Ptilolith ( mordenite ) and in contrast to this oblique or inclined axis position after the Greek word κλίυειυ [ klinein ] tend for his.

Was first discovered clinoptilolite at Hoodoo Mountain in Park County (Wyoming) in the United States of America ( USA) and described in 1923 by Waldemar Theodore Schaller. Since it was established in later, more accurate analysis shows that it was not by a single mineral but a mixed batch of very closely related Engliedern the clinoptilolite, this was 1997/98 redefined and as part of a general Überbeitung the zeolite nomenclature by Douglas S. Coombs et al. called clinoptilolite - Ca, clinoptilolite -K and Na - clinoptilolite.

Classification

In the now outdated but still in use 8th edition of the mineral classification by Strunz clinoptilolite -Ca belonged, clinoptilolite -K and clinoptilolite -Na to the general ward of the " framework silicates ( tectosilicates ), with zeolites " where they together with Barrerit, brewsterite -Ba, brewsterite -Sr, epistilbite, Goosecreekit, heulandite - Ba, heulandite Ca, heulandite -K, heulandite -Na, heulandite -Sr, Stellerit, Stilbite - Ca and Stilbite -Na, the group of " Blätterzeolithe I" with the system no. VIII/J.23 formed.

The 9th edition valid since 2001 and of the International Mineralogical Association (IMA ) used the Strunz'schen Mineral classification assigns clinoptilolite - Ca, clinoptilolite -K and clinoptilolite - Na in the already fine divided department of the " framework silicates ( tectosilicates ) with zeolitic H 2 O; Family of zeolites " one. However, this is further subdivided by the type of scaffolding, so the minerals are " structural units with 4-4-1-1 boards " to find according to their construction in the subdivision where it holds together with the Heulanditen the unnamed group 9.GE .05 forms.

The mainly common in English-speaking classification of minerals according to Dana assigns clinoptilolite - Ca, K clinoptilolite and clinoptilolite - Na in the class of " silicates and Germanates " and there in the department of " framework silicates: Zeolite - group " field. Here they are together with the Heulanditen, the Stilbiten and Barrerit and Stellerit in the group " heulandite and related species " with the system no. Find 77.01.04 within the sub-division of "real zeolites ".

Education and Locations

Clinoptilolite of sedimentary origin and is formed primarily from volcanic deposits such as tuffs or volcanic glasses. Rare Clinoptilolite is also observed in other cavities of volcanic rock, including basalts, andesites or rhyolites.

Major localities of clinoptilolite can be found in the Ukraine, Australia, China and the U.S., where they are also of great economic interest. Local occurrence of clinoptilolite can be found, inter alia, the Vogelsberg mountains Hesse, Franconia and in Styria, Austria.

Clinoptilolite -K from the quarry Poudrette, Mont Saint- Hilaire, Canada ( field of view: 1.6 x 1.3 mm )

Clinoptilolite -Na from Rodalquilar, Almería, Andalusia, Spain ( field of view: 2.5 mm)

Clinoptilolite and mordenite ( very fine, wispy fibers) from Succor Creek, Malheur Co., Oregon, USA (size: 5.5 x 3.7 cm)

Klinoptilolitk -K ( colorless), chabazite - Ca ( cream-colored tablets ) and eudialyte ( reddish) from the quarry Poudrette ( field of view: 3.2 x 2.3 mm )

Crystal structure

All final members Klinoptiolith series crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2 / m ( Raumgruppen-Nr. 12), but differ slightly in their lattice parameters:

• Clinoptilolite -Ca: a = 17.66 Å; b = 17.96 Å; c = 7.40 Å and β = 116.5 °
• Clinoptilolite -K: a = 17.69 Å; b = 17.90 Å; c = 7.41 Å and β = 116.5 °
• Clinoptilolite - Na: a = 17.63 Å; b = 17.95 Å; c = 7.40 Å and β = 116.3 °

At each one formula unit per unit cell.

Use

Clinoptilolite has, due to its effect. Molecular sieve as many applications, including as an additive for building materials, as an additive in horticulture, as an additive to animal feed, as an additive in budgetary resources, as a desiccant and in environmental

Large area application was clinoptilolite at the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. There, the mineral was used on the one hand as an ion exchanger in cleaning equipment with which radioactive contaminated waste water was treated. On the other hand, clinoptilolite was added to the feed in order to bind as an ion exchanger in the digestive area radioactive cations such as 137Caesium and excrete.

Clinoptilolite is sold as a medical device in the EU and associated with scientifically blank healing effects. As a dietary supplement it is not allowed because of the Novel Food Regulation. Clinoptilolite was therefore in December 2011 by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety ( BVL ) under the rapid alert number recorded " 2011/1849 " as unauthorized novel food ingredient in food supplements.