Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral compound that expands when heated.
Vermiculite perlite insulation.
Common traits of perlite and vermiculite.
But and this is an important but vermiculite is more compressible and less porous than perlite giving vermiculite higher water holding capacity when it s used as a planting medium.
Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight sand substitutes for soilless potting mixes which are often used to improve aeration and texture in potting soil and garden soil mixtures.
Neither medium will rot deteriorate or decompose.
In its pure form vermiculite is clean odorless nontoxic and sterile.
The similarities between vermiculite and perlite before we look at how these two minerals are different let s consider the similarities of vermiculite vs perlite.
A member of the phyllosilicate group of minerals it resembles mica in appearance.
Perlite and vermiculite are used as loose fill insulation in the construction of modern insulated masonry wall systems.
Like perlite vermiculite is an effective soil conditioner that can loosen compacted soil provide drainage and hold three to four times its weight in water.
Both are odorless sterile disease free insect free and seed free.
Both of these amendments are mined minerals that can be used for insulation and water filtration.
Pros and cons of vermiculite or perlite.