A study of chemical composition and radiation attenuation properties in clinoptilolite-rich natural zeolite from Turkey

Clinoptilolite, a type of natural zeolite, has been commonly used as pozzolanic additive in concrete. This type of natural zeolite is generally used as a mineral admixture by substitution in Portland cement to produce high performance concretes. In the present study, the major, minor and trace element levels present in the clinoptilolite-rich natural zeolite (CRNZ) have been determined using a wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Also, the clinoptilolite-rich natural zeolite has been compared with Portland cement with respect to the radiation attenuation properties. From the results it can be concluded that due to the natural radioactive content of clinoptilolite-rich natural zeolite (CRNZ) even if it is in trace level and also due to the poorer X-ray attenuation compared with Portland cement, special care should be taken to use this type of natural zeolite as blend materials in cements, etc.