zeolite

Term: zeolite

Literally meaning: “boiling stone”

Origin: Anc Greek

ζέω/zeo(=boil) + λίθος/lithos(=stone)

Coined/History 

The term was coined in 1756 by Swedish mineralogist Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, who noticed that the material whenever is warmed up is specified off a heavy steam because of  its substantial water content.

Definition

Zeolite is any of a family of a crystalline microporous aluminosilicate (like a honeycomb),   that is considered as ion-exchangers.   The metal atoms of zeolite which are cation (such potassium, sodium, calcium and strontium)  are surrounded by 4 oxygen anions.  Zeolites occur as a secondary minerals in cavities of lavas after million of years. Its use concerns water purification, molecule separation, as detergent etc.