Perlite is a volcanic rock mined in open-pit quarries. The volcanic glass, or perlite, is formed when lava (molten rock) spews out of a volcano, and cools in a rapid manner. Because of rapid cooling, water is trapped within the rock, and the lava forms into a glass-like structure. Perlite contains 2 to 5 percent water and is a silicate rock, meaning it contains a “high percentage of silica (Si),”
Crude Perlite is further classified as per end-use and processed at temperatures between 800°C – 950°C, this will abrupt and controlled temperature causes the crystalline water content to change state from liquid to vapor causing the Perlite structure to “pop” and consequently become an extremely porous, lightweight (volume expanding between four and twenty times) and brilliant white mineral. Expanded Perlite offers many benefits due to its inert, fire-resistant, thermal and acoustic properties and is used in a range of industries including Oil & Gas, Construction and Horticulture to name a few.
