Search

The article provides information on the production and consumption of vermiculite, which is mined from shallow surface deposits throughout the world. All commercial vermiculite is formed by surface weathering of either biotite or phylogopyte micas. The producers of vermiculite are cited. In 2007, worldwide vermiculite production increased by 3.7 percent and it occurred at mines in South Africa, the U.S. and China. Primary uses for the mineral are in horticultural and fire protection applications. Pries for domestic U.S. vermiculite concentrate are cited.