Vermiculite is a lightweight aggregate. It is made by super heating volcanic rock which then causes it to expand or exfoliate. When vermiculite is mixed with concrete it creates a lightweight concrete. more »

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring volcanic mineral that expands with the use of heat. For 80 years, vermiculite has been mostly used for insulation, but it also is used in horticulture. Adding vermiculite to soil improves the airflow by preventing compaction. It resembles gold flakes. Vermiculite mines are found in the United States, China and South Africa. Adding coarse vermiculite to your gardening supplies can improve the overall growth of your plants. more »

Plants need rich, well-drained soil to thrive, and vermiculite can help boost their growing medium. Although vermiculite is often packaged with potting soil mixes, it is not a type of soil at all. Instead, vermiculite is a mineral that resembles mica. When treated with intense heat, vermiculite expands into lightweight particles containing many layers. The particles help lighten heavy soils and the layers hold moisture and nutrients, helping plants grow. more »

Vermiculite is a material used as loose fill insulation in attics. Prior to 1990, most vermiculite came from a mine in Montana. The mine contained asbestos, which contaminated the vermiculite. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung disease or cancer. Current testing practices for asbestos contamination in vermiculite are not always accurate. Because of the danger associated with pesticide exposure and inaccuracy of testing, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that caution should be used around all vermiculite. more »

Vermiculite is a mineral that has numerous commercial applications. One of its properties is its tendency to expand when exposed to rapid increases in heat. Expanded vermiculite has been used as a component of insulation, concrete, potting soil and brake pad liners. Vermiculite from one major source, however, has been associated with asbestos and in some cases may pose a significant health risk. more »

Vermiculite is a mineral that is can be mixed into soil to help keep soil loose and moist. Vermiculite can be used on potted plants or those in the ground. It increase the chances for a plant to grow to its fullest potential. It can be used especially for plants that require a lot of water. more »

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring hydrous silicate (phyllosilicate) mineral that has a micalike structure. Composition of vermiculite varies; it may be hydrated phlogopite (mica composed of hydrous silicate of aluminum, magnesium and aluminum), sometimes called magnesium mica. Phlogopite ranges from yellow-green to red-brown in color. It may also be biotite mica. Biotite ranges in color from black to dark brown and is composed of fluoride of potassium, iron, magnesium and aluminosilicate. Biotite is widely distributed in metamorphic and igneous rock and it weathers fast due to its iron component. more »

Rue is an herb that is commonly used in making tea and should be planted in well draining soil with vermiculite. Learn how to grow rue in your herb garden in this free video. more »

Vermiculite is a versatile soil amendment that adds moisture to sandy soils. You can also use it to start seeds or to root cuttings of perennials, trees or bushes. The advantage it has over using soil is that it won't get moldy as easily as soil does so your seedlings or cuttings have a better chance of survival. more »