Zeolites were discovered as a natural mineral more than two hundred ago. In the beginning, the mineral was used as ion-exchange material and adsorbent. After the end of World War II , however, a variety of zeolites have become available in large amounts because of the establishment of low temperature synthesis and the discobery of natural zeolite deposits of sedimentary origin. Various uses of xeolite were developed utilizing the unique crystal strucrure and function of these minerals. In connection with this development remakable progress has also been made in basic stuides on the related geology and mineralogy, crystallization from sols and gels, structure, ion exchange, adsorption and cataiysis. As a result, zeolites, which had been known only as mineral specimens displayed in museums. established a firm position among the high-technology masterials with excellent functional capabilities.