Vermiculite

Palabora vermiculite is hydrated phlogopite mica, which has the unique ability to expand many times its original volume when heated, a property known as exfoliation.

Being non-combustible and insoluble in water or organic solvents, vermiculite is safe and easy to handle. Its inherent stability makes it suitable for a wide range of different applications.

Palabora Europe only sell crude vermiculite, however, we work in partnership with our customers who expand vermiculite (exfoliators) to sell on to end users.

Crude vermiculite from the Palabora mine consists of golden/brown flakes which are carefully classified into five grades – each having a specified range of particle sizes.  The coarsest grade comprises particles ranging between 8mm and 2.8mm, while the finest grade consists of particles between 0.710mm and 0.250mm in size.

The loose bulk density of crude vermiculite varies with the grade, but is typically between 700 and 1100 kg/m3.

Please contact us further for more technical information.

The exfoliation process is carried out commercially by passing crude vermiculite through a furnace chamber in a controlled manner. The crude vermiculite then expands at right angles to the cleavage planes, producing concertina-shaped particles many times their original volume.