It is not known to occur in other than fibrous form, in single needles or in clusters. Erionite fibers, with a maximum length of approximately 50 m, are generally shorter than asbestos fibers. Its gas absorption, ion exchange, and catalytic properties are highly selective. Its use to increase soil fertility and to control odors in livestock production has been studied. The real and potential uses of natural zeolites rapidly expanded.
Zeolites purify sludge effluents to potable standards.
They have the ability to extract trace amounts of heavy metals so that existing water supplies may be reused. In agricultural uses, zeolites decrease ammonia released from animal wastes and retain the nitrogen in the solid wastes, which increases the fertilizer value of the solid material. They may be spread on the floors of pig farms to absorb liquid waste and reduce odors. Zeolites have been used to neutralize low pH soils. Zeolites may have applications to control aquaculture environments and fish culture recirculating water systems.