What are some applications of Zeolite?

Zeolite's absorptive qualities make it a common substance found in applications that require water softening. Zeolite is commonly found in laundry detergents and water filters.

Laundry detergents clean clothes more effectively in soft water. To soften water, detergents commonly employ zeolite to absorb calcium and magnesium. While zeolite absorbs minerals, it also has the ability to trap other substances, such as liquid and odor molecules. This is why zeolite is commonly found in pet litter and has been used to absorb radioactive materials from nuclear waste. Japanese farmers used zeolite to absorb radioactive materials potentially present in their rice fields.