vermiculite
A hydrous magnesium silicate mineral that expands significantly when heated, used commonly in horticulture to improve soil aeration and water retention, and in construction as an insulating material.
Noun
This term refers to a specific mineral used primarily as a soil conditioner or an industrial insulator. In a horticultural context, it is often discussed alongside perlite; however, while perlite is primarily used for aeration, vermiculite is prized for its ability to hold water and nutrients, making it ideal for seed starting and moisture-loving plants.
As a mass noun representing a mineral substance, it is treated as uncountable. It does not have a plural form in standard usage, as it refers to the material in bulk rather than individual grains.
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mineralmicaperlitepeatsoilsubstratehorticulturegardeningagricultureinsulationexpansionexfoliationsilicatemagnesiumaluminumironpotassiumhydrationporosityaerationdrainagemoistureretentionabsorbenthydroponicscompostmulchfertilizernutrientcationexchangecapacitygeologypyroxenephyllosilicatecrystallatticelayerheatthermalfireproofingasbestosparticlegranuleaggregatemediumrootseedpropagationplantinggreenhousebeddingvolcanicigneousmetamorphicweatheringporouslightweightinertsterile