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
Metaphysical Properties
A stone of grounding and expansion. Believed to aid in releasing old patterns and promote a connection to Earth energies. (Used in horticulture).
Associated Tarot Cards
The Empress
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Represents growth- nurturing- and connection to the Earth- aligning with this soil-enriching mineral.
Ten of Pentacles
Type: Minor Arcana
Suit: Pentacles
Rationale: Symbolizes prosperity- growth- and earthly abundance- resonating with Vermiculite.
Associated Deities
Demeter
Pantheon: Greek
Domain: Agriculture- Harvest- Nurturing
Rationale: Demeter's connection to fertile soil and growth aligns with Vermiculite.
Gaia
Pantheon: Greek
Domain: Earth Mother
Rationale: As a mineral that enriches the earth- it has a direct connection to Gaia.
Metaphysical Uses
Abundance & Growth Rituals
Earth Energy Connection Meditation
Nurturing New Beginnings Altar
Please read our Metaphysical Disclaimer
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 Group (Biotite, Phlogopite - alters from)
- Chlorite
- Hydrobiotite (intermediate)
- Serpentine
- Talc (common as an alteration product of micas or in hydrothermally altered rocks)