The capacity of Jordanian zeolite tuff for the removal of lead and nickel ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated under different conditions, namely zeolite particle size, initial solution pH, initial metal ion concentration, slurry concentration and solution temperature. Equilibrium data obtained have been found to fit both the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. It has been found that this zeolite (phillipsite) tuff is an efficient ion exchanger for removing both lead and nickel ions. Its removal capability is considerably higher for lead ions than for nickel ions under all conditions tested; however, the actual exchange capacities are far below the theoretical values. The finer the zeolite particles used, the higher the metal exchange capacity. An initial solution pH of 4.0 is favourable for obtaining high metal removal.