Abstract: A zeolite A or an A/X mixture having an LCC>70 g liquid/100 g zeolite (hydrated) and a cold water CER>200 mg CaCO3/gram anhydrous zeolite (hydrated). The zeolite product may have a crystal size of 0.1-0.7 microns, a bulk density of 0.19-0.37 g/ml, and a median particle size of 1-5 microns. A process for making zeolite A or A/X mixtures is also claimed, including mixing a sodium silicate solution, a sodium aluminate solution, and an amorphous aluminosilicate initiator gel in a mixing vessel to create an aluminosilicate synthesis gel, and crystallizing the aluminosilicate synthesis gel to form zeolite crystals. The sodium aluminate solution may be added gradually to at least the sodium silicate solution at a rate of about 1-5% of the total batch alumina per minute, and/or a percentage of the total batch alumina may be added as alumina trihydrate (ATH) powder.