LusterMax Filtration Media: The Purpose-Built CRC Solution for Extraction Labs

Color remediation has become a standard step in hydrocarbon extraction. The problem is that most of what's on the market was never actually designed for it.

Walk through any industry tradeshow and you'll find operators running media pulled from industrial suppliers, agricultural products, or generic lab supply catalogs — none of it tested for extraction, none of it supported, and none of it designed with an understanding of what actually happens inside a CRC column.

LusterMax is different. Here's why.

The Problem With Generic CRC Media

Color remediation column (CRC) media works by adsorbing unwanted pigments, chlorophylls, and other compounds from extract as it passes through. Done right, it produces cleaner color and a more polished final product. Done wrong — or with the wrong media — it strips desirable compounds, introduces inconsistency, and leaves operators guessing.

Most media on the market is sold without:
- Independent testing for extraction applications
- Formulation guidance for different column setups
- Any understanding of the tradeoffs between color remediation and terpene preservation

Xtractor Depot helped bring the CRC process to market. That history means our understanding of the science runs deep — and it's exactly why we built LusterMax from the ground up instead of reselling generic media.

The LusterMax Line



LusterMax is available in six formulations, each engineered for a specific outcome. Choosing the right one depends on your material, column setup, and target product.

Alpha — Aggressive Color Remediation

Alpha is for operators who need maximum color stripping. Built for darker material or situations where color is the primary concern. High adsorption activity, aggressive on pigments and chlorophylls.

Best for: Dark material, heavy remediation needs, operators prioritizing color over terpene retention.

Beta — Balanced Color + Terpene Preservation

Beta strikes the middle ground. Meaningful color improvement without the aggressive strip of Alpha. Designed for operators who want cleaner color without sacrificing terpene profile.

Best for: Quality-focused operations where both color and terpene preservation matter.

ZeoRX — Light Polish, Targeted Action

ZeoRX is a zeolite-based formulation engineered for light polishing. Minimal strip, targeted adsorption. Ideal when your material is already in good shape and you want a clean final pass.

Best for: High-quality material, final-pass polishing, minimal intervention.

ZeoRY — Balanced Zeolite Performance

ZeoRY offers a middle-ground zeolite profile — more active than ZeoRX but less aggressive than ZeoRZ. Designed for operators who need consistent, predictable performance across varying material quality.

Best for: Mixed material quality, consistent batch-to-batch results.

ZeoRZ — Maximum Zeolite Activity

ZeoRZ is the most active zeolite formulation in the lineup. Maximum adsorption, high selectivity. For operators running challenging material who need the zeolite family's performance at full strength.

Best for: Difficult material, operators familiar with zeolite media who need maximum activity.

Silica Gel 60A — Aggressive Filtration

Silica Gel 60A is a high-activity silica formulation built for aggressive filtration. Strong adsorption across a wide range of compounds. A proven performer for operators who need deep filtration.

Best for: Heavy filtration needs, operators running high-volume production who need reliable, repeatable performance.

How to Choose the Right LusterMax Formulation



The right formulation depends on three factors:

1. Material quality — Darker, lower-quality material generally requires more aggressive media (Alpha, ZeoRZ, Silica Gel 60A). High-quality material can be polished with lighter options (Beta, ZeoRX, ZeoRY).

2. Target product — If terpene preservation is a priority, Beta or the ZeoR series will protect more of your aromatic profile. If color is the primary goal, Alpha or Silica Gel 60A will get you there faster.

3. Column setup — Media density, column dimensions, and flow rate all affect how each formulation performs. Our team can help you dial in the right configuration.

Not sure where to start? Request a sample. We'll match you to the right formulation for your setup.

Why Purpose-Built Media Matters

The extraction industry spent years running media that wasn't designed for it. The results were inconsistent — not because operators were doing it wrong, but because the inputs weren't engineered for the application.

LusterMax was built specifically for extraction. Every formulation was developed with an understanding of what's happening chemically inside a CRC column: which compounds you're targeting, which ones you want to keep, and how different media types behave under real extraction conditions.

That's the difference between purpose-built and repurposed.

Get a LusterMax Sample

If you're currently running CRC and want to see what purpose-built media looks like in your operation, reach out. We'll send you a sample matched to your column setup and material — no guesswork required.

Contact Xtractor Depot

Frequently Asked Questions About CRC Media

What is color remediation column (CRC) media?

CRC media is a filtration material packed into a column through which extract passes during processing. Different media types adsorb different compounds — the goal is removing unwanted pigments and impurities while preserving desirable compounds.

How do I know which LusterMax formulation is right for my operation?

It depends on your material quality, target product, and column setup. As a starting point: Alpha and Silica Gel 60A for aggressive remediation, Beta and ZeoRY for balanced performance, ZeoRX for light polishing. Contact Xtractor Depot for a personalized recommendation.

Can I stack LusterMax formulations in one column?

Yes. Many operators layer different media types in a single column to achieve a specific result — for example, a ZeoR layer followed by Beta. Our team can advise on stacking ratios based on your column dimensions and goals.

Does CRC media affect terpene profile?

It can. More aggressive media types (Alpha, Silica Gel 60A) will adsorb a broader range of compounds, which can affect terpene retention. Beta and the ZeoR series are designed to minimize terpene loss. The right choice depends on your priorities.

How is LusterMax different from generic filtration media?

LusterMax formulations were developed specifically for extraction applications — tested for performance in CRC columns, not repurposed from industrial or agricultural supply chains. Each formulation comes with guidance for column setup and material type.

About Xtractor Depot

Trusted Extraction Supply Partner for Solvents, Equipment & Lab Support
Xtractor Depot has been a leading supplier of extraction-grade solvents, lab equipment, and technical support for extraction operations for over a decade. Serving extraction labs and processing facilities nationwide, we deliver high-purity solvents, professional-grade equipment, and expert guidance tailored to real-world workflows.

With four strategically located distribution centers across the United States, we offer fast local delivery, in-stock inventory, and reliable supply chain access you can count on. Our team understands extraction—providing hands-on support, product expertise, and solutions designed to keep your operation running efficiently at scale.