Na2Ca2Si6Al6O2412H2O

Na2Ca2Si6Al6O24·12H2O is a hydrated aluminosilicate that belongs to the broader zeolite family. Its formula indicates a framework composed of six aluminum and six silicon tetrahedra linked through oxygen, creating a porous three-dimensional structure. The negative charge produced by aluminum substitution for silicon is balanced by two sodium ions and two calcium ions, while twelve water molecules occupy the pores and channels within the framework.

The structure consists of interconnected SiO4 and AlO4 tetrahedra, forming a rigid yet open framework that can host water and exchangeable cations. The presence of Al in the framework introduces negative charge, which is compensated by the extra-framework cations (Na+ and Ca2+). Water molecules are distributed within the pore spaces and can be partially removed (dehydrated) or reintroduced, a behavior that underpins many zeolite properties such as ion exchange and molecular sieving.

Occurrence and synthesis of this type of compound typically span both natural and synthetic contexts. Natural zeolite-like materials with analogous compositions arise during low-grade metamorphism and hydrothermal alteration of aluminosilicate-rich rocks. In industrial and research settings, similar compositions are prepared hydrothermally from silica and alumina sources in the presence of alkali and alkaline-earth cations to produce zeolite materials for catalysis, ion exchange, or separation applications.

Properties and applications of this specific composition are generally aligned with zeolites: a highly porous, ion-exchange-capable framework whose hydration state affects pore accessibility and cation balance. Detailed crystallographic data, such as the exact space group and unit cell parameters, would depend on hydration level and synthesis history.