Description

When subjected to heat vermiculite has the unusual property of exfoliating or expanding into worm-like pieces (the name vermiculite is derived from the Latin ‘vermiculare’ – to breed worms). This characteristic of exfoliation, the basis for commercial use of the mineral, is the result of the mechanical separation of the layers by the rapid conversion of contained water to steam. Vermiculite is ideal for the germination of seeds, because it’s aeration properties combined with it’s water holding capacity make it a very suitable medium for direct contact with the seeds.