Described is a process to synthesize nano-size Zeolite A from an amorphous gel precursor which can be synthesized via reaction of NaAlO2, NaOH, and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). Zeolite A with particle sizes of ˜150 nm was made by transformation of the amorphous precursor in (CH3)4NOH solution with Zeolite A seeding. The nano-sized Zeolite A can be part of processes for making non-phosphate detergent where the as-synthesized Zeolite A used as builders, for making thin films for separation and/or catalysis, for making secondary ordered patterns.