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.
