---
title: Zeolite in a terrarium | Glass Jar Garden
description: Zeolite: Pale porous mineral grains that soak up ammonia. A filter layer. In the jar it has holds water 30 % by volume, pore space 50 % by volume, weight 900...
url: https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/zeolite/
---

Soils and layers

# Zeolite

Pale porous mineral grains that soak up ammonia. A filter layer.

## What the simulation uses

- Holds water: 30 % by volume (Water it keeps after draining; the rest runs down to the drainage.)

- Pore space: 50 % by volume (Room for air and water between grains; low means roots suffocate when wet.)

- Weight: 900 g/L (How heavy a litre is.)

- pH: 7 to 8 pH (How acid it keeps the soil.)

- Mould risk: none (How much fresh food it gives white mould; high-risk soils fuzz over in the first weeks.)

- Nutrients: low (Plant food it brings.)

- Presses down to: 97 % of its loose depth (How far pressing can pack it, keeping its weight.)

## Description
Porous volcanic grains used much like charcoal. Besides ammonia, they hold water and never break down. Lay them below the soil.

Also called clinoptilolite.

Estimated, where sources were thin: values estimated from hobby and horticultural references; not measured.

[Grow it in a jar](https://glassjar.garden/?guide=soils/zeolite)

[Worm castings](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/worm-castings/) · [All soils and layers](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/)