About Vermiculite
A hydrated phyllosilicate (clay/mica-like mineral) that expands greatly when heated (exfoliation). It's associated with grounding, expansion, and releasing old patterns. (Widely used in horticulture and insulation).
Primary Hues
Brown, Yellowish-Brown, Greenish, Bronze-like, forms platy or micaceous aggregates
Geological & Scientific Details
Vermiculite is classified as a phyllosilicates mineral which typically crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its chemical formula is (Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+)3[(Al,Si)4O10](OH)2·4H2O. Common crystal habits include as large crystalline plates to clay-sized particles; lamellar to scaley.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Phyllosilicates
- Chemical Formula: (Mg,Fe2+,Fe3+)3[(Al,Si)4O10](OH)2·4H2O
- IMA Symbol: Vrm[1]
- Crystal System: Monoclinic
- Predominant Geological Color: Colorless, white, yellow, green, brown, black
- Crystal Habit: As large crystalline plates to clay-sized particles; lamellar to scaley
- Cleavage: Perfect on {001}
- Luster: Greasy or vitreous (pearly at cleavage planes)
- Streak: White or yellowish, translucent, shiny, light-brown or greenish in color, in some cases. For example, palabora vermuculite.
- Diaphaneity: Translucent
Associated Minerals
- Mica
- Biotite
- Phlogopite
- Chlorite
- Hydrobiotite
- Serpentine
- Talc