The mineral 'mica' which has been heated to the point of expansion. A good addition to container potting mixes, vermiculite retains moisture and air within the soil.

a spongy soil conditioner often used to lighten clay soils. It may also be used as a propagating conditioner.

Lightweight expanded mica often used in soil-less media.

One off a group of micaceous hydrated silicate minerals related to the chlorites and used in lightweight insulating concrete.

Light, mica-like mineral added to potting compost to improve aeration and moisture retention.

a soil-improving mineral, also used for root cuttings.

A light-weight, mineral called mica, which has been heated to the point of expansion. This material is added to potting mixtures to improve root growth via aeration and has moisture retaining abilities. There is no nutritive value in the mineral.

accordian-shaped grains formed from minerals. It is a chemically neutral, sterile, unperishable and odorless product that is used as carrier and packing material

A mineral from the mica family which can be used as a heat insulator or mulch for plants.

A light, porous mineral mined from mica and heated to make it expand. Vermiculite is sometimes added to potting soil to help buffer changes in pH and increase aeration.

When mica is exposed to very high heat is "pops" --or expands-- to form vermiculite. Horticultural grade vermiculite is granular and is valued in potting mixes because it is relatively inert, but is porous and can hold water and nutrients well. Vermiculite is generally preferred to the similar substance, perlite.

Expanded mica mixed with compost for cuttings to help retain water and give a good air supply.

mica that has been expanded with heat into a lightweight granule. Useful in rooting seedlings.

Heat-puffed mica.

An expanded mineral insulation consisting of a mica-like substance which expands when heated. The resulting granules are generally used as loose fill insulation.

This is a mineral called mica that is heated and puffed up to form lightweight, sponge-like granules capable of holding both water and air. Useful in rooting seedlings .

A mineral closely related to mica, with the faculty of expanding on heating to form lightweight material with insulation quality. Used as bulk insulation and also as aggregate in insulating and acoustical plaster and in insulating concrete floors.

a naturally occurring mineral used for insulation, sometimes found contaminated with asbestos.

heated and puffed mica, forming lightweight, water retentive granules useful in soils mixtures. Eventually breaks down and loses this property.

Bulk insulation material similar to mica.

is a light, mica-derived mineral added to potting mix to improve aeration and moisture retention.

Minerals similar to mica which expand greatly when heated; used in the expanded state for heat insulation.

A material used for its insulating characteristics in lightweight insulating concrete. Vermiculite is formed by heating mica rock, resulting in great expansion. See also Perlite.

Loose-fill insulation, made from clay minerals, hydrous silicates or aluminum, magnesium and iron that have been expanded by heat.

A popular, inexpensive, easy-to-find and efficient Insulator. A different product with similar qualities to Perlite.

an aggregate used in lightweight insulation concrete

An aggregate used in lightweight insulating concrete, formed by the heating and consequent expansion of a micaceous mineral or mica rock.

A mineral containing mica used as a medium for starting seedlings and root cuttings. The medium supplies plants, water, and air pockets within the soil helpful in growing and developing dense root systems. Also mixed with seeds to facilitate distribution and planting.

An aggregate somewhat similar to perlite that is used as an aggregate in lightweight roof decks and deck fills. It is formed from mica, a hydrous silicate.

Mineral used in potting mix to retain moisture and provide aeration.

1. a clay similar to hydrous mica and having 2:1 layers of 2 tetrahedral sheets to 1 octahedral sheet. Vermiculite has the layers held together by hydrated cations and has less swelling than montmorillonite. 2. a mica-like silicate mineral that expands into an accordion-like structure when heated to high temperature; it is a high water-holding capacity within the expanding particles and yet good aeration between the large particles. Volatilization

A lightweight material used with propane gas logs. Gas ignites while passing through it, giving the flame its desired flickering effect.

A hydrous silicate of magnesium or iron which is expanded by heating to produce a lightweight fire resistant insulation.

Mica which has been processed and expanded by heat. Vermiculite has excellent water-retention qualities and is a good soil amendment and medium for rooting cuttings.

an aggregate used in lightweight insulating concrete, formed by the heating and consequent expansion of a micaceous mineral.-W-X-Y-Z

This is a mineral called mica that is heated and puffed up to form lightweight, sponge-like granules capable of holding both water and air. [ GO BACK TO TOP INDEX

A lightweight insulating material that expands when heated.

A micaceous mineral expanded by heat and used as an aggregate.

verr-MICK-kul-lite) This is sterile — immediately post manufacture that is — and made of heat-expanded mica. The layers trap moisture that when heated exapnd and form a soft, lightweight, neutral material.

Vermiculite is a natural, non toxic mineral which expands with the application of heat. The expansion process is called exfoliation and it is routinely accomplished in purpose-designed commercial furnaces. Vermiculite is formed by hydration of certain basaltic minerals, and is often found in association with asbestos.