See Also: vermiculite(medicine)
Vermiculite(health)
vermiculite(dictionary)

vermiculite (iou)



vermiculite noun. E19.
[from Latin vermiculari (see VERMICULATE) + -ITE1.]
Mineralogy. Any of a group of hydrated silicates resulting from the alteration of biotite and ultrabasic rocks; spec. a monoclinic aluminosilicate of magnesium occurring as platy yellow or brown crystals or foliated scales. E19.
Flakes of this mineral used as a moisture-holding medium for plant growth or a protective covering for bulbs etc., or as a loose insulating material or a lightweight additive to concrete. M20.