the average unit value of u.S. exfoliated vermiculite sold or used by producers, using actual and estimated data, was
about $916 per ton
in 2016, down slightly from about $930 per ton in 2015; this was a composite value of exfoliated vermiculite produced from domestic and imported concentrate (table 1).
Where do you get vermiculite?
Essentially vermiculite is a member of the phyllosilicate group of minerals, resembling mica in appearance. It is found in various parts of the world, but currently the major mines are located in
South Africa, China, Brazil, Zimbabwe, and the United States
.
What is vermiculite cost?
$6
. Horticultural grade Vermiculite has become a mainstay as a component of soil less growing mediums, as a soil amendment and in many other horticultural uses.
How much vermiculite is in a cubic foot?
Peat at $1.60 per cu. ft; perlite at $2.60 per cu. ft.; coarse vermiculite at
$2.70 per cu. ft
.
What is vermiculite best for?
While it does help retain some water, it’s primarily used to aerate compost. … Vermiculite is better for
water and nutrient retention
than perlite and is best used for plants that need more moisture to grow. Vermiculite also protects seedlings against damping-off and other fungal diseases.
Is it safe to buy a house with vermiculite insulation?
As we touched upon, the EPA agrees that
vermiculite insulation containing less than one percent of asbestos is safe to be used within a home
. This sort of vermiculite insulation typically comes in the form of Zonolite, a common form of insulation that appears as pebble-like substances.
How do you test for vermiculite asbestos?
Scientists with the United States Geology Survey (USGS) have created
a hand-held spectrometer
to determine if vermiculite insulation contains deadly amphibole asbestos. The recent innovation should provide a time-saving technique for commercial and home inspectors.
What are the dangers of vermiculite?
If vermiculite is disturbed, it could
cause tiny, needle-like asbestos fibers to become airborne
. Asbestos in the air can be inhaled and cause lung damage. If asbestos is not in the air, it is not dangerous to your lungs.
Why is it so hard to find vermiculite?
Asbestos creates tiny fibers that float in the air and when inhaled can damage the lungs. After the Libby Mine closed, vermiculite was difficult to obtain
because so much of the supply was cut off abruptly
. Vermiculite for gardening became more difficult to find and perlite took its place in many potting mixes.
Should I use vermiculite or perlite?
Vermiculite is
ideal for plants that prefer lots of water
, such as forget-me-nots and some irises. Perlite would dry out too rapidly for water-loving plants. However, the amount of water vermiculite holds is not ideal for plants such as cacti or rhododendrons, which need a well-drained soil.
How many square feet does a bag of vermiculite cover?
With no waste and minimal clean up. One bag of Pool-Krete covers approximately
10 square feet
. The recommended thickness of the Pool-Krete should be between 1-1/2′′ to 2′′. The accuracy of the excavation will determine the number of bags of Pool-Krete needed for the job.
How do you identify vermiculite?
Identifying Insulation That is Made From Vermiculite
Look at the photos on this website
and then look at the insulation without disturbing it. Vermiculite insulation is a pebble-like, pour-in product and is usually gray-brown or silver-gold in color.
What are the different grades of vermiculite?
Crude vermiculite is vermiculite that has not been heated or expanded and is divided into five primary grades based upon particle size. The grades are
large, medium, fine, superfine and micron
.
Should I add vermiculite to my soil?
Vermiculite added to the garden or vermiculite in potting soil
increases water and nutrient retention
and aerates the soil, resulting in healthier, more robust plants. … Use vermiculite alone or mixed with soil or peat for seed germination. This will allow seeds to germinate more rapidly.
Can I add vermiculite to my soil?
Use
1/3 to 1/2 vermiculite
in your potting soil for containers or when building your raised beds, or improve your garden soil by adding it in the spring with your other soil amendments and compost. For new lawns, spread a 1/4 inch layer evenly around the planted area just after you seed it, then irrigate well.
Can you start seeds in vermiculite?
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.
