What is vermiculite?

vermiculite is a hydrated basalt mineral with some unusual properties that caused the industrial production to be popular since the beginning of the 20th century. Many consumers are likely to interact with vermiculite because it is used as a fill in a wide range of products and can also be found in things such as insulation, absorption materials and soil mixtures. Direct contact with vermiculite is relatively rare because it is used more as a component than as a primary component, although people who work with some forms of insulation can handle vermiculite. The first is its physical structure, which takes the form of crystalline layers such as mica. The second is water trapped inside vermiculite. If the mineral is heated, the water turns to the steam and forces the mineral to expand and the layers consist as an accordion and create strands of very lightweight, boring material. When using vermiculite, it usually warms up to expand it in a process known as exfoliation.

The name "vermiculite" is derived from the Latin word for the worm, the reference to the worm's materials that are formed when vermiculite is peeled. This property was well known to people in the 19th century, although it was treated as a novelty rather than a potentially useful mineral until people have realized their potential for things such as insulation and mixing of concrete. Mineral was, by the way, named Thomas Webb in 1924. He is formally known as the hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-wezo silicate, which is rather a mouth.

Some people raised health problems about vermiculite. The mineral itself is not harmful, but often contains impurities that are not healthy, such as asbestos. In addition, the exfoliation process can generate silicate fibers that can inspire dangerous inhalation. Because the removal of dirt from mineral is not actually feasible, people should carefully manage vermiculite to reduce potential exposure to health risks. PThe manipulation of substances such as insulation, nose and mouth protection should be worn so that people breathe small shards of silicate that could damage their lungs.

One of the greatest sources of vermiculite was historically owned by W.R. Grace in Libby in Montana. Although this mine is now closed, vermiculite can be found in other regions of the United States such as Virginia. There are also large mines in South Africa, China and Australia. Depending on where it is mined, the mineral may have more or less impurities.