In the s and early s, however, zeolites were found in abundance in large deposits of altered volcanic tuff in the western U. Similar deposits were later found worldwide. Large-scale mining of natural zeolites in the U. When the materials' performance proved unsatisfactory, other markets were developed. Use in pet litter quickly became the leading market for natural zeolites — accounting for more than 50 percent of usage from the s through — because of the minerals' capacity to absorb moisture.
After , sales of natural zeolites for pet litter began to decline. In , animal feed applications, in which it is used as a flow control agent, dominated the U. Globally, volcanic tuffs containing zeolites are used for high-tonnage applications such as dimension stone, lightweight aggregate, pozzolanic cement and general soil conditioners.
A large market also exists for synthetic zeolites, first created in the s. Researchers looking for new ways to increase the efficiency of petroleum refining in the s used zeolites to catalytically break down large organic molecules into specific petroleum products. In the s, synthetic zeolites began to replace phosphate compounds in laundry detergent powders.
The aim of this study is to compile and obtain new information of the characterisation of the Australian natural zeolites, in the manner outlined by Sheppard Such determination is essential for establishing a rational basis for the commercial use and application research of natural zeolites.
No systematic compilation or examination had been made to date on the increasingly large amount of laboratory and exploration material collected over six years. It is hoped that this thesis provides a reference source, both for geological and other disciplines utilising zeolites. A starting point for any new zeolite deposit is the established characterisation methods for natural zeolitic rocks developed by the New South Wales Department of Mineral Resources Fredrickson, Product development has ranged over packaging, particle sizing and selective high grade mining, with strong encouragement for bilateral communication with potential clients during trialing.
Main barriers to expanded growth in some markets are milling and freight costs, which are currently being addressed. Future developments will include chemical and physical modification of the natural zeolite to meet certain client requirements. One threat to market development is the potential health implications of the fibrous zeolite erionite currently mined overseas. The natural zeolite industry in Australia is established, with total invoiced sales to date of over a million dollars, but growth is slow and difficult due to volume related inefficiencies resulting in high costs and slow consumer appreciation of the products.
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