Raw Vermiculite

Vermiculite is the mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-ironsilicate which resembles mica in appearance. When subjected to heat, it has the unusual property of exfoliating or expanding, due to the generation of interlaminar steam. Vermiculite is found in various parts of the world. Locations of the predominant commercial mines are in North America, South America, and Africa. Other deposits in countries such as India, Japan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, China, Russia and Australia are being developed.

Vermiculite mines are surface operations where ore is separated from other minerals, and then screened or classified into several basic particle sizes. The bulk density of crude vermiculite or vermiculite concentrate is in the range of 640-1120 kg/cu m or 40-70 lb/cu ft.