The zeotype ANA framework was successfully synthesized for the first time by conventional hydrothermal alkaline activation of natural clinker. The synthesis process was investigated as a function of the starting material, reaction temperature, reaction time and mineralizer concentration. The as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The results of this study indicate that ANA with a low quantity of impurities can be synthesized using natural clinker as starting material. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.