The work establishes the physicochemical regularities of NH4+ ion sorption on the surface of natural mineral sorbents of various chemical nature. The relationship between the nature of the sorbents, the acid-base properties of the active centres of the hydroxyl-hydrate surface layer and the efficiency of NH4+ ion extraction from aqueous solutions is established. Modern methods were used to study the properties of the sorbents: X-ray phase analysis, potentiometric analysis of aqueous suspensions, spectrophotometric analysis. Studies of the sorption capacity of sorbents in relation to NH4+ ions were carried out under static conditions. A comparative characteristic of the efficiency of using sorbents of various chemical nature for the extraction of NH4+ ions from aqueous solutions is provided. It is established that the sorption capacity of sorbents decreases in the order diabase flour > quartzite > kaolin clay > bentonite clay. It has been established that the main mechanism of sorption of NH4+ ions on the surface of kaolin clay is ion exchange, and on the surface of diabase flour and quartzite – physical adsorption. In aqueous suspensions of bentonite clay, a mixed mechanism is implemented: physical adsorption and ion exchange. The established patterns will allow for more effective use of cheap and environmentally friendly natural mineral sorbents in water treatment technologies. Patterns and mechanisms of sorption of ammonium ions NH4+ on the surface of natural mineral sorbents depending on the number and acid-base properties of surface-active centers is an important scientific and practical task. In addition, a comparative characteristic of some of the most common natural sorbents of various chemical and mineral nature is necessary regarding the possibility of their use for water purification from ammonium ions.