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Technically, vermiculite is a hydrated magnesium iron aluminium silicate mineral in the form of shiny flakes, which are usually golden brown to blackish in colour. Vermiculite is expanded (exfoliated) by heating the crude flaky mineral.
Is vermiculite natural?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral compound composed of shiny flakes, resembling mica. When heated to a high temperature, flakes of vermiculite expand as much as 8-30 times their original size. Historically, much of the world’s supply of vermiculite came from a mine near Libby, Montana.
Is vermiculite toxic?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that is perfectly safe when pure. Unfortunately, an estimated 75 percent of it came from Libby, Montana, where it usually was contaminated with toxic amphibole asbestos. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma, an aggressive and deadly cancer.
Where does vermiculite come from?
It is derived from rocks containing large crystals of the minerals biotite and iron-bearing phlogopite. As these rocks are exposed to the weather, they start to decompose, allowing water to enter and react with the various chemicals present.
How do you make vermiculite?
Just water thoroughly and insert the cutting up to the node. Use vermiculite alone or mixed with soil or peat for seed germination. This will allow seeds to germinate more rapidly. If vermiculite is used without soil, feed the seedlings a weak fertilizer solution of 1 tablespoon (15 mL.)Jan 14, 2022.
How can you tell if vermiculite has asbestos?
The only way to identify asbestos is through microscopic examination of the material. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring “mica-like” mineral that was mined and processed into attic insulation starting in the 1920’s and ending in the early 1990’s.
Is vermiculite safe for vegetables?
Even though vermiculite and perlite are safe for vegetables, that doesn’t mean they are necessary for them. All plants need good drainage, but certain vegetables will do better with really loose and aerated soil. Not only are they safe, they can be extremely helpful in keeping your plants healthy and productive.
Is there still asbestos in vermiculite?
Vermiculite and gardening use An EPA study showed some vermiculite products contain low levels of asbestos. Asbestos is found primarily in the unmixed vermiculite product although some was found in pre-mixed potting soils. For consumers using vermiculite on an infrequent basis the health risk is low.
Is vermiculite eco friendly?
vermiculite is a completely organic, biodegradable mineral and – as I understand it – not in alarmingly diminishing supply.
Is it okay to consume vermiculite?
Vermiculite itself is safe to use; there is no evidence that any acute or chronic toxicity or carcinogenicity exists from long-term exposure to vermiculite.
Is vermiculite good for plants?
Vermiculite can absorb three or four times its weight in water and also attracts various plant nutrients such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. These qualities make it useful for propagation and for potting up plants that do best in moist compost, including house plants.
What is a good substitute for vermiculite?
Alternatives to Vermiculite Peat. Peat (also known as peat moss) is light and holds moisture well but not does not stay soggy. Coir. Coir is coconut dust. Perlite. Like vermiculite, perlite is an inorganic matter added to the garden to improve water drainage and permeability. Sawdust. Shredded Hardwood Bark or Wood Chips.
Is vermiculite good for seedlings?
If you enjoy germinating seeds at home or run a flower business or horticultural business, then vermiculite is ideal for the germination of seeds. Not only is it sterile but its aeration properties combined with its water-holding capacity makes it a very suitable medium for direct contact with the seeds.
Is vermiculite good for vegetable garden?
The answer is yes! Vermiculite is a great way to start seeds with or without mixing with potting soil. Vermiculite is particularly good for a faster germination when starting seeds.
Which is better vermiculite or perlite?
Remember this general rule of thumb: Use perlite when you want better drainage and aeration. Use vermiculite when you want more moisture retention.
What is the percentage of asbestos in vermiculite?
The asbestos present in vermiculite is not bound up like it typically is in a building material and therefore the risk is potentially greater, even at percentages well below 1%. Unfortunately the 1% rule still predominates and often times a Qualitative result will not suffice no matter how much sense it makes.
Does vermiculite in Canada contain asbestos?
However Health Canada has found some brands of vermiculite insulation may contain tremolite asbestos and could present a health hazard. These products can cause health risks if disturbed during maintenance, renovation or demolition.
Is there asbestos in vermiculite ceilings?
Pure vermiculite is perfectly harmless, but this mineral is often mined from areas where it picked up asbestos. Textured vermiculite ceilings are highly friable and easily damaged, so they’re more likely to release any asbestos they might contain than, for example, asbestos floor tiles.
Which is better for tomatoes perlite or vermiculite?
The only disadvantage is that perlite on the soil surface can attract algae turning the white perlite into a green colour over time. Vermiculite is pieces of mica that look like crumbs of shiny cork. It’s very good at holding moisture and air and suitable for seedlings and young plants in small and medium size pots.
Is vermiculite good for carrots?
Carrot seeds like to be planted close to the surface of the soil, the general rule: plant one and a half to two times the width of the seed. When I plant carrot seeds I usually sprinkle them on top of the soil and cover them with fine vermiculite, which holds moisture, thus it helps with germination rates.
Can you grow potatoes in vermiculite?
Use a lightweight soil mix: Potting mixes specifically made for containers will work. If you are mixing your own, a good mix is 1/3 good quality finished compost, 1/3 vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss. 3. Once the plants emerge from the soil, feed the foliage every two weeks with fish emulsion.
