Na12Ca6Al18Si30O96

Na12Ca6Al18Si30O96 is a crystalline aluminosilicate formula representing a zeolite-like framework in which aluminum and silicon tetrahedra are linked by oxygen atoms to form a three-dimensional lattice. The composition indicates 18 aluminum and 30 silicon atoms per formula unit, with the aluminum substituting for silicon in the framework. This substitution introduces negative charges in the lattice that require balancing by extra-framework cations, such as sodium and calcium, which are present here as Na+ and Ca2+ in the structure.

The resulting material is typically microporous, containing channels and cages that host the exchangeable cations (and water molecules, when hydrated). The Na and Ca cations reside in these cavities and can be exchanged with other cations, giving such materials notable ion-exchange properties. The Al/Si ratio of 0.6 suggests a moderate to high framework aluminum content, which influences acidity and ion-exchange capacity.

Applications commonly associated with zeolite-like aluminosilicates include ion exchange for water softening and purification, adsorption and separation of molecules based on size and shape, and catalysis in various chemical processes. The exact framework topology or mineral name cannot be determined from the chemical formula alone; specific structural characterization (for example by X-ray diffraction) is required to identify the precise framework type.

In summary, Na12Ca6Al18Si30O96 describes a porous, ion-exchangeable aluminosilicate with mixed Na and Ca as balancing cations, typical of synthetic or natural zeolite-type materials.