What is vermiculite and where does it come from?

Vermiculite is produced from ore mined throughout the world, and this ore is sometimes contaminated at its point of origin with naturally occurring asbestos.

In the United States, mines are located in Montana, South Carolina, and Virginia. When heated, the ore expands into a light, rather fluffy material, that is fire resistant, chemically inert, absorbent, light weight, and odorless.

The absorbent properties of the expanded vermiculite make it useful in lawn and garden, agricultural, and horticultural products.

Other common uses are as thermal and sound insulation, construction material, insulation material, and for lightweight, absorbent packaging material.