One of the resourceful mineral fit to the phyllosilicate lot is vermiculite, which resembles mica in appearance. Vermiculite is well admitted for its resourcefulness of exfoliation which expands fast when it is heated.
Vermiculite is categorized based on its grades, density and very many factors. Broadly it is classified as Crude Vermiculite and Exfoliated Vermiculite, where crude vermiculite consists of golden or brown flakes, which is further classified in to five other grades. But vermiculite is chiefly used in exfoliated cut that serves various applications. And so exfoliated vermiculite is defended and smooth to grip which is available in five unalike grades.
Vermiculite is a resourceful mineral now of its strength and inertness. The exfoliated vermiculite is easy to use which is odorless, sanitary and mould resistant due to its high temperature. Inasmuch as it is a multi purpose full mineral which can be used in various industrial fields.
Vermiculite is widely used in agriculture, horticulture, poultry raising, live stock raising, construction, ship building, car and varnish dye industry and it is used for numerous applications like Animal Feeding Stuffs, Fire Protection, Friction Linings, Concretes, Packing Materials, Plasters, Refractory Products and Insulation in Steelworks.
Vermiculite for Agriculture:
The use of Vermiculite for agriculture and Horticulture is well known. Vermiculite in agriculture field is used as fertilizer, sorbent, mulch, meliorant, radio protector and so on. The unique sorption property is the significant reason for using vermiculite in agriculture. The mineral can be used for soil of any mechanical composition. It increases the fertilizer efficiency twice of that the original. It also reduces the nitrate part in the soil and enhances the plant yield. Vegetables and fruits preserve its consumer properties when it is stored using vermiculite as it absorbs the products of gas exchange.
Vermiculite increases moisture retention and aeration that can be effectively used in Horticulture. It is also used as a transporter and extender for fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.
Vermiculite for construction:
Vermiculite has the capability of providing high fire resistance in the building. It also provides thermal and sound isolation. It is also used as friction lining as a safe substitute to asbestos. The concretes made of vermiculites are light weight, thus can be used as roof tops, floor screeds. It can also be used as a fire back support material for boilers at high temperature.
Vermiculite as plasters and packaging medium:
Vermiculite when used as plasters, it improves the workability and resistance to cracking and shrinkage. It can be used either with gypsum or cement, that can be applied with hands or spraying machine. It is also used as an effective packaging medium. It is a better shock absorbent. The nature of soft and non - abrasive material is used as valuable insulating and cushioning the base of swimming pools which are plastic lined.
Vermiculite in Poultry and Live - Stock Rising:
Vermiculite has also found its application as fodder for poultry animals. It increases the life capability, yield of eggs, amino acid, iron and manganese content in meat. It also serves as fodder for Livestock animals which increases the degree of protein, calcium, phosphate elements.
