Zeolites are among the most versatile minerals in the Earth’s crust. These tectosilicates possess open­-framework crystal structures con­taining interconnected channels and cages that accommodate H2O molecules and exchangeable cations. Their unique structures give rise to a remarkable range of properties, including reversible hydration and dehydration, ion­-exchange capacity, and molecular sieving behavior. As a result, zeolites have attracted sustained interest from mineralogists, geochemists, materials scientists, and engineers for over a century. Natural zeolites form under relatively low­-temperature conditions in diverse geological environments. Their occurrence provides valuable insights into fluid–rock interactions and the evolution of near­-surface geological systems through space and time. In addi­tion, their physicochemical characteristics make them important industrial minerals with an ever-­increasing range of technological applications.

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