Vermiculite Explained

Vermiculite is a light, versatile and safe mineral used in the horticultural, animal feed, insulation, packing, fireproofing and many other industries. Due to its inert properties it allows usage across a wide range of global sectors.

The Science Behind Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a member of the phyllosilicate group of minerals, resembling mica in appearance, and is a hydrous phyllosilicate mineral that undergoes significant expansion when heated.

Vermiculite’s inner laminar layers allow it to expand up to 50% in volume which allows it to be highly aerated. This property also allows for high water absorption and retention. It is very pH neutral and has natural elements of Potassium and Magnesium which are favorable in the horticultural and animal feed industries.

Crude Vermiculite
Exfoliated Vermiculite

Crude vermiculite consists of thin golden to brown flakes containing microscopic layers of water which are carefully classified into five grades – each with a specified range of particle sizes. Crude vermiculite is at times used in animal feed pre-mixes due to its flowability.

Our vermiculite is registered under Act 36 of 1947 in line with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.

Packaging

Bulk Bags

Act 36 Registered

V-Number: V28079

Available Grades

Large
Applications
  • Insulation
  • Concrete
  • Refractories
  • Packaging

Particle Size
  • 2-8 mm
  • Screened to be dust free

Packaging
  • 100 litre pre-packed bags
  • Palletised

Volume Yield
  • 13-14.5%

Density
  • 75-90 kg/m3

Medium
Applications
  • Insulation
  • Horticulture
  • Refractories

Particle Size
  • 1.4 – 4.0 mm
  • Screened to be dust free

Packaging
  • 100 litre pre-packed bags
  • Palletised

Volume Yield
  • 10.5 – 13.0%

Density
  • 85-105 kg/m3

Fine
Applications
  • Horticulture
  • Friction
  • Screened to be dust free

Particle Size
  • 0.7 – 2.0 mm
  • Screened to be dust free

Packaging
  • 100 litre pre-packed bags
  • Palletised

Volume Yield
  • 8.5 – 11.5%

Density
  • 95-115 kg/m3

Super-Fine
Applications
  • Animal Feed
  • Friction
  • Screeds

Particle Size
  • 0.35 – 1.0 mm
  • Screened to be dust free

Packaging
  • 100 litre pre-packed bags
  • Palletised

Volume Yield
  • 7.5 – 10.0%

Density
  • 115 – 130 kg/m3

Micron
Applications
  • Animal Feed
  • Friction

Particle Size
  • 0.25 – 0.75 mm
  • Screened to be dust free

Packaging
  • 100 litre pre-packed bags
  • Palletised

Volume Yield
  • 6.5 – 9.0%

Density
  • 115 – 130 kg/m3

Package Properties

GradeParticle size distribution min. 80% retained (mm)Loose bulk Density kg/m3
Large-8.0 + 2.8700 – 850
Medium-4.0 + 1.4800 – 950
Fine-2.0 + 0.710850 – 1050
Superfine-1.0 + 0.355850 – 1050
Micron-0.710 + 0.250850 – 1050
Chemical Properties
SiO232
MgO25.5
Al2O310
K2O6
Fe2O39.5
CO22.5
CaO17.17
TiO21.4
P4O101.4

Other Properties

Specific Gravity: +-2.75 kg/m3

Moh’s Hardness: 1-2

Exfoliated or expanded vermiculite consists of accordion-like granules containing microscopic air layers full of mineral water in a crude state. At high temperatures this water vaporizes, causing the material to expand. The layers are pressed apart, resulting in a harmonica structure to which vermiculite owes its lightweight and excellent insulation properties.

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