A synthetic faujasite zeolite and a process for preparing the same which includes forming a reaction mixture consisting essentially of water, a source of silica, a source of alumina, Na.sub.2 O nd nucleation centers, wherein the reaction mixture has molar ratios of constituents including Na.sub.2 O/SiO.sub.2, 0.4-0.9; SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 7-13; and H.sub.2 O/Na.sub.2 O, 30-45, and wherein the nucleation centers have molar ratios of constituents including Na.sub.2 O/SiO.sub.2, 0.5-2.0; SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 0.sub.3, 10-20; and H.sub.2 O/Na.sub.2 O, 10-40; and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature ranging from 90 to 110.degree. C. for a time period ranging from 23 to 29 hours to obtain the synthetic faujasite zeolite, wherein the synthetic faujasite zeolite has a crystallite size ranging from 1500 to 2000 .ANG., a particle size ranging from 4000 to 8000 .ANG., and a retention of surface of more than 70% of that of a parent zeolite, when exchanged with ammonia and subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 650.degree. C. for 3 hours and with 100% steam.