What is CLINOMAX™?
Let us clarify what these two terms mean and the relationship between them, given that they are often cited in isolation.
The relationship is simple: Zeolite is the family, Clinoptilolite is the most distinguished member.
The term Zeolite refers to a large mineralogical group with more than 40 natural species/structures (frameworks). Although all are zeolites, not all share the same qualities or applications.
Clinoptilolite is the most abundant and commercially widely used natural zeolite. It stands out within the group for its purity, robust crystalline structure, and very high Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). It is Clinoptilolite that delivers the expected results at industrial scale.
In summary: when you seek an efficient and safe natural zeolite, you are, technically, looking for Clinoptilolite.
Chemical Definition
Molecular composition and crystalline structure
Complete General Formula:
(Li, Na, K)α(Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba)d[Alα+2d-Sin-(α+2d)O2n]∙mH2O
Simplified Formula (most common):
(Na,K)2O·Al2O3·10SiO2·6H2O
Balancing Cations:
- • Na⁺ (Sodium)
- • K⁺ (Potassium)
- • Ca²⁺ (Calcium)
- • Mg²⁺ (Magnesium)
Tetrahedral Structure:
- • SiO₄ (Silicon Tetrahedra)
- • AlO₄ (Aluminum Tetrahedra)
- • Si/Al ratio: 4-5.5
- • System: Monoclinic
Parameter a
1.762 nm
Parameter b
1.791 nm
Parameter c
0.739 nm
The unit cell is based on 72 oxygen atoms (n = 36) and 24 water molecules (m = 24), with balancing cations occupying specific positions in the microporous channels.
Microporous Channel System
Three-dimensional network of interconnected channels that confers unique molecular sieve properties
Three-dimensional model of the crystalline structure of clinoptilolite (automatic rotation). Cell: Cappelletti et al., 1999.
Occupying cations: Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺
Occupying cations: Ca²⁺, Na⁺
Occupying cations: K⁺
The combination of these three channel types creates a three-dimensional micropore network that allows selective passage of molecules by size and charge. Molecules smaller than the channel diameters can diffuse into the structure and adsorb onto active sites, while larger molecules are excluded. This property is fundamental for applications in gas separation, water purification, and selective ion adsorption.
Geological Origin
Natural formation under specific geological conditions
Natural zeolites, including clinoptilolite, form through diagenetic alteration of volcanic ash rich in reactive glass (primarily silicic volcanic glass) in alkaline aqueous environments. This process occurs over millions of years under specific conditions of temperature, pressure, and pH.
Required Geological Conditions:
- Alteration of volcanic ash rich in reactive glass.
- Marine or lacustrine environments with alkaline pH (8–10)
- Moderate temperature (50–200 °C) and low pressure
- Extended geological time (millions of years)
- Absence of contamination by other minerals
Deposits of high purity (80-100% clinoptilolite) are rare and occur in regions with exceptionally favorable geological conditions, where crystallization was complete and contamination by other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, or montmorillonite was minimal. These ideal conditions yield zeolites with superior physicochemical properties and consistent performance in industrial applications.
Physical-Chemical Properties
Characteristics that confer superior performance in industrial applications
Monoclinic framework with interconnected microporous channels of 0.4–0.7 nm, forming a highly selective natural molecular sieve.
CEC of 150–190 meq/100g, higher than most clay minerals, enabling efficient adsorption of heavy metals and ammonia.
39 m²/g, at the high end for natural zeolites (14–30 m²/g), resulting in greater adsorption capacity.
80–100% pure clinoptilolite vs. 50–70% in common commercial zeolites, ensuring consistent and predictable performance.
Selectivity Order (highest → lowest):
Cs⁺ > Rb⁺ > K⁺ > NH₄⁺ > Ba²⁺ > Sr²⁺ > Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Fe³⁺ > Al³⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Li⁺
This selectivity is fundamental for applications in ammonia removal (NH₄⁺), heavy metal adsorption (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺) and removal of Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ ions from aqueous solutions.
Why CLINOMAX™ is Superior?
Comparison between common commercial zeolites and high-purity CLINOMAX™
| Parameter | Common Zeolites | CLINOMAX™ | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teor de Clinoptilolita | 50-70% | 80-100% | +43% a +100% |
| Surface Area (BET) | 14-30 m²/g | 39 m²/g | +30% a +178% |
| CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity) | 1.0-1.4 mEq/g | 1.5-1.9 mEq/g | +7% a +90% |
| Heavy Metals | Variable | Controlled per report/CoA | Guaranteed safety |
vs 50-70% in standard commercial zeolites
~+77% vs the average (22 m²/g)
Heavy metal content controlled as per analysis report/CoA
A Brand of Grupo BENTONISA
A trusted name for over 50 years in high-value, mineral-based industrial solutions
CLINOMAX™ is a brand of Grupo BENTONISA, a trusted name for over 50 years in high-value, mineral-based industrial solutions.