Preparation of zeolite A with excellent optical properties from clay.

Discoloration of zeolite A powder is a common problem when natural raw materials such as kaolin clay are used because of the formation of colored iron compounds. In this study, we report on a novel method to produce zeolite A with excellent optical properties, from clays. The brightness is as high as 94.5 and the yellowness is as low as 3.0. The product is comprised of intergrown zeolite A crystals with cubic habit and a length ranging between 0.5 and 2 μm. Good optical properties are obtained when the raw material contains magnesium, as some natural raw materials do, or alternatively, when a magnesium compound is added to the raw material. Magnesium probably forces iron inside colorless extraneous magnesium aluminosilicate compounds. This simple process appears very promising for the preparation of zeolite A with good optical properties from inexpensive natural raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]