Author(s):
Aditi Mookherjee, Shweta Patil
Email(s):
aditimookherjee@unipune.ac.in , vrthesis2025@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00045 
Address:
Aditi Mookherjee, Shweta Patil
Department of Geology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune - 411 007, Maharashtra, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 4,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
In this study, we examine the properties of natural zeolites from the Deccan Traps in Maharashtra, India. The Deccan Traps constitute one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world, and its zeolite deposits are a notable example among global deposits. This group includes six zeolite samples: Mesolite, Scolecite, Laumontite, Mordenite, Heulandite, and Stilbite, which were collected and analyzed to determine their origin and chemical composition. The sample was analyzed using XRD to identify the mineral and its crystal structure. In contrast, a SEM-EDX was used to observe the sample's morphology and determine its elemental composition. XRD studies confirmed that the synthesized zeolite phases are highly pure and provided accurate crystallographic data for each phase. The XRD diffraction patterns agreed with the reported standards, and mineral identity was verified. SEM study indicated differences in morphology, including acicular and fibrous habit (Mesolite and Scolecite), prismatic crystals (Laumontite and Hellandite), and radiating aggregates (Stilbite), for the two zeolites. Samples for mordenite showed a net-like, interlinked fiber structure. According to the EDX semi-quantitative composition, the main elements, Si, Al, Ca, Na, and K, were identified in the examined samples. The Si/Al ratios ranged from 1 to 3.92, which is highly significant for the properties and uses of the zeolites. This research expands the mineralogical diversity and geochemical discriminants of zeolites in the geologically diverse locality. They are also highly relevant to potential industrial uses of these natural zeolites, including as supplementary cementitious materials, for water treatment, and for catalysis.
Cite this article:
Aditi Mookherjee, Shweta Patil. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Calcium-Rich Natural Zeolites from the Deccan Traps, Maharashtra, India. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry.2026; 19(4):290-8. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00045
Cite(Electronic):
Aditi Mookherjee, Shweta Patil. Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Calcium-Rich Natural Zeolites from the Deccan Traps, Maharashtra, India. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry.2026; 19(4):290-8. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00045 Available on: https://ajrconline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-4-2
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