Mineral processing characteristics of natural zeolites from the Aritayn Formation of northeast Jordan

The inferior grade of natural zeolite ores in comparison to their synthetic counterparts has been identified as a possible factor responsible for the relatively small market share of the former. This paper describes the results of laboratory-scale mineral processing trials carried out on relatively low-grade natural zeolite ores from the Aritayn Formation of northeast Jordan to improve their purity through removal of unwanted gangue constituents. Appropriate sample preparation and mineral processing methods were selected which utilised contrasts in texture, particle-size, hardness, specific gravity and magnetic susceptibility between gangue and target constituents to achieve beneficiation. Sample preparation by autogenous comminution was able to selectively liberate zeolite minerals from the surface of pyroclasts and therefore was an effective method of pre-concentration. Subsequently, using widely-available magnetic and gravity separation equipment, a high-grade concentrate containing 89% zeolite was produced at a recovery of 37% from a lapilli tuff of 47% head grade.