Zeolite is a widely known crystal of aluminosilicate mineral, often referred to as a molecular sieve. It is used for ion exchange and adsorption and plays a crucial role in detergents. Additionally, it has various other applications, such as in animal feed as a filler, for water purification, as a moisture adsorbent, and as a catalyst.

Naturally occurring zeolites are often impure and unsuitable for use, so they need to be synthesized, such as Zeolite A used in detergents. This was developed as a builder in the 1970s. Zeolites themselves are characterized by their insolubility in water.