Vermikuliittiin

Vermikuliittiin is a Finnish term that refers to vermiculite. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring hydrated lamellar mineral that is a product of the weathering of certain minerals such as biotite and phlogopite. When heated to high temperatures, vermiculite undergoes exfoliation, expanding significantly in volume. This expanded form is lightweight, sterile, and possesses excellent water-retention properties, making it useful in various applications.

In horticulture, vermiculite is widely used as a soil amendment. It improves soil aeration and drainage, and its ability to absorb and slowly release water helps to maintain consistent moisture levels for plant growth. It is also often mixed with potting soils and seed-starting mixes to create a lighter, more porous medium. Beyond its horticultural uses, vermiculite has found applications in insulation, fireproofing, and as a packing material due to its thermal and acoustic insulating qualities and its non-combustibility. However, it is important to note that, like asbestos, vermiculite can sometimes be contaminated with asbestos fibers, and handling it requires appropriate safety precautions.