Natural examples form as diagenetic alteration products of volcanic ash and glass or basalt by reaction with alkaline or highly saline groundwater, which introduces calcium and sodium ions, creating varieties like natrolite, stilbite, chabazite, and analcime.  
They have recently been used to control the size distribution in zinc-phosphorus nanoparticle preparation and when doped with potassium they have been shown to exhibit the properties of a Mott insulator. More mundane uses include their application in ion-exchange beds for water purification systems. Natural examples form as diagenetic alteration products of volcanic ash and glass or basalt by reaction with alkaline or highly saline groundwater, which introduces calcium and sodium ions, creating varieties like natrolite, stilbite, chabazite, and analcime.  FTP, identify these hydrous aluminum tectosilicate minerals whose small, porous channels are best known for their ability to absorb water.
They have recently been used to control the size distribution in zinc-phosphorus nanoparticle preparation and when doped with potassium they have been shown to exhibit the properties of a Mott insulator.
zeolites