ERIONITE AND MESOTHELIOMA: PROPOSED RULES FOR QUANTITATIVE ERIONITE CHARACTERIZATION

Erionite, a zeolite group mineral, crystallize in hexagonal system, space group P6₃/mmc and occurs in fibrous forms, often as alteration products of volcanic ash. Erionite (ERI) belongs to ABC-6 family and consists of cancrinite cages along the z direction by double 6-ring structure. Intergrowth of erionite with offretite is common and offretite’s AABAAB sequence and stacking faults corresponding to partial substitution of C with B 6-rings have been reported. Because of its complex structure and large chemical variability of the mineral, three different species of erionite are identified based upon the most abundant extra framework cation (erionite-Na, -K, -Ca). Erionite cause a mesothelioma, a rare but a deadly disease in Cappadocia region of Turkey. Although mesothelioma is a rare disease, over 50% of populations in three villages in Cappadocia die from mesothelioma. Erionite is identified in several states in USA and other countries. Erionite is one of the most carcinogenic minerals known and IARC identified erionite as a human carcinogen. Quantitative characterization of erionite series minerals require balance error (E%<10) and Mg-content (Mg<0.8) tests, If the erionite passes both tests its species should be identified. Positively identified erionite series minerals can be used for animal and cell experiments.