Mesoporous X and A zeolites and methods for production thereof are disclosed herein. Such mesoporous zeolites can be prepared by contacting an initial zeolite with an acid in conjunction with a mesopore forming agent. The initial zeolite can have a framework silicon-to-aluminum content in the range of from about 1 to about 2.5. Additionally, such mesoporous zeolites can have a total 20 to 135 Å diameter mesopore volume of at least 0.05 cc/g.