Industrial Mineral · Raw Ore & Exfoliated · SGS Asbestos-Free

Vermiculite

蛭石 · Hydrated Magnesium-Aluminium Silicate

Gold & Silver grades · Expands up to 15× on heating

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring layered silicate that exfoliates dramatically when heated, expanding into light, fire-resistant, thermally and acoustically insulating granules. Global Vista supplies SGS asbestos-free raw ore and exfoliated vermiculite in gold and silver grades.

At a Glance

GradesGold & Silver
FormsRaw ore + exfoliated
Sizes0.3–1 to 4–8mm
CertificationSGS asbestos-free
Service Temp.up to ~1100 °C
FOB China$200–600 / MT

Product Overview

Vermiculite is a hydrated magnesium-aluminium-iron silicate with a layered, mica-like structure. When heated rapidly to around 850–1000 °C, interlayer water flashes to steam and the mineral exfoliates — expanding many times its original volume into light, worm-like granules (the name comes from the Latin for "to breed worms").

The expanded form is extremely light, incombustible, chemically inert and an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator. This makes it a core material for passive fire protection (vermiculite boards, sprays and coatings), lightweight insulating concrete and plaster, high-temperature pipe and furnace insulation, and lightweight refractory castables.

Beyond construction and refractories, vermiculite is widely used in horticulture as a soil conditioner and seed-raising medium thanks to its water and nutrient retention, and in friction linings, packaging and absorbents. Global Vista supplies both raw ore (for customers who exfoliate in-house) and ready-exfoliated vermiculite in gold and silver grades, all SGS-certified asbestos-free. See also our acicular wollastonite for fireproofing and friction formulations.

Technical Specifications

ParameterTypical / Guaranteed Value
Mineral TypeHydrated Mg-Al-Fe silicate
GradesGold, Silver
Raw Ore Sizes0.3–1mm, 1–2mm, 2–4mm, 4–8mm
Exfoliated GradesSuperfine, fine, medium, large
Bulk Density (expanded)60–130 kg/m³
Expansion Ratio8–15×
Max Service Temperatureup to ~1100 °C
CombustibilityNon-combustible (A1)
Asbestos ContentSGS-certified asbestos-free

* Values are indicative typical/guaranteed figures and can be tailored to your specification. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is delivered with every shipment; third-party inspection (SGS / Bureau Veritas / Intertek / CIQ) available on request.

Grades & Forms

Gold grade

Premium

Higher-quality ore, brighter colour, preferred for horticulture and premium boards.

Common: horticulture

Silver grade

Standard

Cost-effective grade for fireproofing, insulation and refractory fillers.

Common: fireproofing

Raw ore 0.3–8mm

Unexpanded

For customers exfoliating in their own furnaces; lower freight per tonne.

Common: in-house exfoliation

Exfoliated

Expanded

Ready-to-use light granules for insulation, plaster and packaging.

Common: ready-to-use

Applications

Passive Fire Protection

Vermiculite boards, sprays and coatings that insulate steel and structures against fire — non-combustible and stable to ~1100 °C.

Thermal & Acoustic Insulation

Loose-fill and bound insulation for furnaces, pipework, chimneys, and lightweight insulating concrete and plaster.

Horticulture

Soil conditioner and seed-raising/propagation medium — retains water and nutrients while keeping media aerated.

Refractory & High-Temperature

Lightweight aggregate for insulating refractory castables, back-up insulation and furnace linings.

Friction & Gaskets

Reinforcing and insulating filler in brake linings, gaskets and high-temperature sealing materials.

Packaging & Absorbents

Lightweight, inert cushioning for hazardous-goods packaging and as an industrial absorbent.

Quality Assurance

  • Certificate of Analysis (COA)

    Lot-traceable chemical and physical analysis with every shipment.

  • Third-Party Inspection

    SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek or CIQ pre-shipment inspection on request.

  • Customer Sample Review

    Pre-shipment sample for your lab verification before bulk order.

  • Specification Matching

    Grade and granulometry tailored to your process, not sold as a generic commodity.

Logistics

  • Origin Ports

    Tianjin Xingang · Qingdao · Shanghai

  • Packaging

    Exfoliated: compressed bales or PP bags. Raw ore: 25kg bags or 1 MT jumbo bags / bulk.

  • Incoterms

    FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP available.

  • Payment Terms

    T/T or irrevocable L/C at sight. USD / EUR / JPY settlement.

  • Lead Time

    15–25 days from order confirmation to vessel sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vermiculite used for?

Vermiculite is used for passive fire protection (boards, sprays), thermal and acoustic insulation, lightweight concrete/plaster, refractory castables, horticulture (soil conditioner and seed medium), friction linings and packaging. It is light, non-combustible and inert.

Is your vermiculite asbestos-free?

Yes. All Global Vista vermiculite is SGS-certified asbestos-free. We provide the test documentation with shipment for your compliance and safety review.

What is the difference between raw and exfoliated vermiculite?

Raw (unexpanded) ore is shipped dense and exfoliated by the customer in their own furnace — lower freight per tonne. Exfoliated (expanded) vermiculite is ready-to-use light granules, ideal where the buyer does not have exfoliation capacity.

What is the difference between gold and silver grades?

Gold grade is a higher-quality, brighter ore often preferred for horticulture and premium boards; silver grade is a cost-effective standard grade for fireproofing, insulation and refractory fillers.

What sizes are available?

Raw ore in 0.3–1, 1–2, 2–4 and 4–8mm; exfoliated in superfine, fine, medium and large grades. Specify your application and we will recommend the grade and size.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Trial orders from one container. Production and contract volumes per specification, with SGS asbestos-free certification and COA included.

Request a Quote

Specify your grade/size, quantity and destination port — we respond within one business day with FOB China and CIF quotes.

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