Vermiculite is a hydrated magnesium aluminum silicate mineral with the formula, (Mg,Fe+2,Fe+3)3[(Al,Si)4O10](OH)2 4H2O. It undergoes significant expansion when heated. Exfoliation occurs when the mineral is heated sufficiently, and the effect is routinely produced in commercial furnaces. Vermiculite can withstand up to 1200 degrees Celsius. It is an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator, capable of retaining moisture for a longer time. It had a neutral pH of 7, thereby doesn�??t react with any compounds or materials.
