Zeolites, a group of minerals with unique properties, have been known for over 250 years. Their industrial applications, particularly in oil processing, agriculture, detergent production, building materials, and water treatment, have made them one of the most important materials of the 20th century. The orderly, homogeneous crystalline and porous structure of zeolites, their susceptibility to various modifications, and their useful physicochemical properties contribute to their widespread practical applications in large-volume processes (ion exchange, adsorption, separation of mixture components, catalysis) and specialized ones (sensors). This review aims to present the most important information on the properties, synthesis methods, and selected applications of zeolites, with a special focus on their use in agriculture and environmental protection. Zeolites are porous hydrated aluminosilicates with a three-dimensional structure containing cations of alkaline elements and alkaline earth metals. Their unique structure, which includes large free spaces and channels, gives them properties characteristic of nanoporous materials and allows them to absorb and release water in significant amounts. The presence of micropores (0.3 to 1.0 nm in diameter) and a high surface area (several hundred m² g⁻¹) makes zeolites effective sorbents, adsorbents, ion exchangers, and molecular sieves. Synthetic zeolites are produced using various methods, including hydrothermal, solvothermal, and ionothermal synthesis. Hydrothermal synthesis, the most common technique, involves the reaction of silica and clay minerals in an alkaline environment at high temperatures and pressures. Other methods include alkali fusion, alkaline activation, molten salt synthesis, microwave-assisted synthesis, and mechanochemical synthesis. Each method has its advantages and is suitable for different applications. Zeolites have a wide range of applications in agriculture and environmental protection. In agriculture, zeolites improve soil properties by increasing water retention, nutrient availability, and aeration. They are also used as carriers for pesticides and herbicides, protecting crops from pests and diseases. In environmental protection, zeolites are effective in sorbing radionuclides, immobilizing trace elements in contaminated soils, and adsorbing and catalyzing the removal of pollutants from wastewater. They are used in wastewater treatment to remove biogenic compounds, radioactive elements, and trace elements. Overall, zeolites continue to play a crucial role in various industrial and environmental applications due to their unique properties and versatility.Zeolites, a group of minerals with unique properties, have been known for over 250 years. Their industrial applications, particularly in oil processing, agriculture, detergent production, building materials, and water treatment, have made them one of the most important materials of the 20th century. The orderly, homogeneous crystalline and porous structure of zeolites, their susceptibility to various modifications, and their useful physicochemical properties contribute to their widespread practical applications in large-volume processes (ion exchange, adsorption, separation of mixture components, catalysis) and specialized ones (sensors). This review aims to present the most important information on the properties, synthesis methods, and selected applications of zeolites, with a special focus on their use in agriculture and environmental protection. Zeolites are porous hydrated aluminosilicates with a three-dimensional structure containing cations of alkaline elements and alkaline earth metals. Their unique structure, which includes large free spaces and channels, gives them properties characteristic of nanoporous materials and allows them to absorb and release water in significant amounts. The presence of micropores (0.3 to 1.0 nm in diameter) and a high surface area (several hundred m² g⁻¹) makes zeolites effective sorbents, adsorbents, ion exchangers, and molecular sieves. Synthetic zeolites are produced using various methods, including hydrothermal, solvothermal, and ionothermal synthesis. Hydrothermal synthesis, the most common technique, involves the reaction of silica and clay minerals in an alkaline environment at high temperatures and pressures. Other methods include alkali fusion, alkaline activation, molten salt synthesis, microwave-assisted synthesis, and mechanochemical synthesis. Each method has its advantages and is suitable for different applications. Zeolites have a wide range of applications in agriculture and environmental protection. In agriculture, zeolites improve soil properties by increasing water retention, nutrient availability, and aeration. They are also used as carriers for pesticides and herbicides, protecting crops from pests and diseases. In environmental protection, zeolites are effective in sorbing radionuclides, immobilizing trace elements in contaminated soils, and adsorbing and catalyzing the removal of pollutants from wastewater. They are used in wastewater treatment to remove biogenic compounds, radioactive elements, and trace elements. Overall, zeolites continue to play a crucial role in various industrial and environmental applications due to their unique properties and versatility.