Vermiculite
is
a
mineral
that
has
expanded
into
lightweight
pebbles
due
to
superheating.
It
is
golden
in
color
and
resembles
mica.
Vermiculite
can
soak
up
over
three
times
its
volume
in
water.
Vermiculite
is
naturally
a
'wicking'
mineral.
This
means
that
it
acts
as
a
magnet
for
nutrients
like
potassium,
calcium
and
magnesium.
Because
of
this,
it
can
be
very
useful
in
a
passive
hydroponics
system
that
does
not
utilize
pumps
or
other
devices
to
force
the
nutrient
solution
to
flow.
Perlite
is
a
pure
naturally
occurring
volcanic
glass.
We
take
Perlite
in
its
raw
glass
form
and
heat
it
so
the
moisture
inside
the
glass
evaporates
and
creates
tiny
bubbles.
This
heating
process
expands
the
raw
Perlite
glass
up
to
20
times
its
original
volume.
Many
compare
this
process
to
that
of
popping
corn
kernels.
When
corn
is
in
its
raw
kernel
state
and
then
heated,
the
kernel
expands
(or
pops),
turns
white
and
is
extremely
light
weight.
No.
Due
to
the
geological
make-up
of
the
region
near
Libby,
Montana
there
was
asbestos
present.
The
Libby,
Montana
mine
has
been
closed
since
1990.
Current
manufacturers
of
vermiculite
have
known
about
this
problem
for
years,
and
have
had
their
material
checked
for
possible
asbestos
contamination.
No.
The
Perlite
Institute
has
undertaken
a
project
to
collect
available
data
both
on
Perlite
ore
and
expanded
perlite
products.
This
report
summarizes
the
results
of
the
findings.
The
data
is
based
upon
perlite
products
mined
and
processed
at
various
locations
throughout
the
World.
To
date,
there
is
no
evidence
that
Perlite
contains
asbestos
either
from
contamination
or
as
a
secondary
component.
No,
perlite
and
vermiculite
are
not
organic
in
the
true
definition
of
the
word.
Organic
by
definition
is
derived
by
living
matter.
Perlite
and
Vermiculite
are
naturally
occurring
minerals.
Because
they
are
not
synthetic
or
manmade,
they
are
approved
by
most
certifiers
to
be
used
in
the
organic
production
of
crops.
Feel
free
to
download
our
form
letters
for
organic
certified
farms
and
growers.
The
USDA
considers
both
organic
as
long
as
they
are
not
modified.
