in the chemical composition of zeolites the formula is written with alumina Al2O3 and silica SiO2 while in the synthesis sodium aluminate NaAlO2 and sodium silicate Na2SiO3 are used.
Zeolite synthesis occurs in alkali media. You need sodium cations for AlO4 negative charge neutralization. Kaolinite Al2O3.2SiO2.2H2O can also be used in the synthesis of zeolites, but in NaOH solution.