Zeolite was one of the first materials used by NASA to grow plants in space. Zeolite granules are naturally occurring minerals found in specific sedimentary rocks in the form of tiny crystals associated with clays and other silicate and aluminosilicate phases of similar density. Because of zeolite's molecular composition, it has an incredible absorbent/adsorbent ability. As a result, people are constantly developing new applications for zeolite, which is emerging as one of the most valuable minerals being used today.

Zeolites, often called nature's miracle, are naturally occurring microporous, aluminosilicate minerals formed where volcanic rocks and ash layers react with alkaline groundwater. Because of how it is created, naturally occurring zeolites are rarely found in pure form and are often contaminated by varying degrees of minerals such as metals, quartz, or clays.