There is disclosed iron-containing aluminosilicate zeolites having both framework iron and iron cations on the ion-exchange sites. There is also disclosed a direct synthesis method of making an iron-containing aluminosilicate zeolite, which does not require the use of an intermediate step, such as ion-exchange or impregnation. In addition, there is disclosed a method of using the iron-containing aluminosilicate zeolite disclosed herein in a selective catalytic reduction reaction, typically in the presence of ammonia, to reduce or remove nitric oxides from exhaust emissions.