The application of polarized absorption spectroscopy as a powerful method in the characterization of modified zeolitic molecular sieve crystals can supply information on (i) the electronic states, (ii) the alignment of zeolite-hosted colouring guests, and (iii) the concentration of the colouring species at very low loadings. The following examples are reported for modifications brought about during the synthesis: the isomorphous framework substitution (Co<sup>II</sup> in AIPO<sub>4</sub>-5), the incorporation of ions (Se<sub>2</sub> anions in cancrinite), and the encapsulation of metal complexes (cobalticinium, [Co<sup>III</sup>(ν5-C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>5</sub>)<sub>2</sub>]<sup>+</sup> in nonasils). The adsorption of chromophores (p-nitrodime...