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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: aquilegia on March 25, 2004, 14:53:27

Title: vermiculite
Post by: aquilegia on March 25, 2004, 14:53:27

Is that how you spell it?

What is it? I know what it's used for and what it looks like, but what is it made out of?

Title: Re:vermiculite
Post by: Les_Woof on March 25, 2004, 15:45:13

Vermiculite is the mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-ironsilicate which resembles mica in appearance.

Vermiculite is found in various parts of the world. Locations of the predominant commercial mines are in Australia, Brazil, China, Kenya, South Africa, USA and Zimbabwe.

Vermiculite mines are surface operations where ore is separated from other minerals, and then screened or classified into several basic particle sizes.

When subjected to heat vermiculite has the unusual property of exfoliating or expanding into worm-like pieces (the name vermiculite is derived from the Latin 'vermiculare' - to breed worms).

Not doing much at work today....hope this helps ;) ;)