What Is Perlite?
What is Perlite? Perlite is an extremely versatile inorganic mineral that once expanded is used extensively world wide for many different applications. Perlite is a natural occurring mineral in the form of siliceous rock, Perlite ore is found world wide with the best mines located in North America, Greece, Turkey, China and Northern Australia. When the perlite ore is heated at approximately 850⁰-900⁰C it expands up to 20 times its original volume, unlike many other volcanic glasses, making it perfect for use as perlite insulation. This expansion is caused by water that has been trapped within the ore (approximately 4% water content is trapped within the perlite ore) and the water is boiled off when evaporation occurs causing the ore to expand to its particular size. This process is much likened to the making of popcorn in your microwave (yet at a much higher temperature). In the expansion phase, the perlite ore changes from dark shades of black and grey to fluorescent, pearly white shades.
Perlite is a volcanic glass that’s prized in horticulture for its ability to aerate soil and improve drainage. It’s frequently juxtaposed with another gardening favourite: vermiculite. Though they’re commonly used interchangeably, each has its distinct advantages and applications. To get a clearer understanding of their contrasts and to determine which might be better suited for your garden, explore our comprehensive comparison in the article titled ‘Vermiculite vs. Perlite‘.
Where can I buy Perlite in Australia?
Exfoliators are the leading manufacturer of premium perlite Australia and currently source perlite from an Australian based mine in Northern Australia. The perlite from this mine is of supreme quality after comparison with world wide samples, its expansion abilities along with other benefits significantly out weigh many other global supplies. Exfoliators Premium Perlite brand is completely sterile and pH neutral, rendering it harmless to your plants and animals and great for perlite insulation purposes. Exfoliators Premium Perlite is extremely lightweight with a low bulk density of 50kg/m₃-75kg/m₃, which when compared to its original weight of 1100kg/m₃ then makes it a fantastic product to be used in many diverse applications. The water holding capacity of Exfoliators Premium Perlite will vary from grade to grade (in relation to the specific density of each grade), this is beneficial as some applications of Exfoliators Premium Perlite will require a high water-holding capacity as their major feature, some will require aeration benefits over a comparatively low water holding capacity and some applications will require no liquid retention at all.
Exfoliators’ Premium Perlite can be manufactured to meet various application requirements, as a guide we currently manufacture 6 grades of Exfoliators Premium Perlite.
Exfoliators Premium Perlite is also offered as treated, meaning it will not absorb liquid of any sort, making it perfect for use as a Litefill,
Our grades of Exfoliators’ Premium Perlite and Premium Litefill Perlite are:
| Grade | Particle Size | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Super Coarse (jumbo) | 8.0-12.0mm | Our largest grade Perlite. Ideal for Orchid growers and users who want added structure to their potting mixes, especially for large volume pots growing advanced plants. Also used extensively in waste water treatment as a filter media. Other applications include home hydroponic systems and Aquaponics. Super coarse Perlite is inert and non toxic, it has a very low Cation exchange capacity allowing for excess salts to be easily leached. |
| Coarse | 3.0-6.0mm | Coarse grade is ideal for use in long term potting mixes for growing advanced plants, adding structure and longevity to the mix. Perlite is very stable and does not break down or deteriorate in the mix. Coarse grade Perlite is used widely in commercial grafting operations as a sterile packing material to help maintain constant moisture and temperature levels. Other applications can be found in construction and shipping. |
| Medium | 2.0-4.0mm | The most popular grade used widely for potting mixes, wicking beds and propagation. Ideal combination of air-filled porosity, capillary lift and water holding capacity. Medium grade is also used in construction and refractory applications. The structural integrity of Perlite makes it ideal for multiple reuses and is able to withstand heat and chemical sterilization. |
| Fine | 1.0-2.0mm | Fine grade is ideal for use in commercial hydroponic applications. It is lightweight, has a high water holding capacity and has ideal air-filled porosity. Popular in the horticultural industry, Fine grade Perlite is ideal for use in propagation mixes for smaller thin cuttings and for seed raising mixes. It is inert, low cation exchange capacity, lightweight and able to be reused multiple times. |
| Fine Litefill | 1.0 – 2.0 mm | Litefill is our unique coated Perlite. The coating makes the product hydrophobic. Ideal for use in dry wall insulation, concrete mixes, lightweight screeds, and renders. Commonly specified for Pizza ovens and fire pits. |
| Superfine Litefill | 0.5-1.5mm | Litefill is our unique coated Perlite. The coating makes the product hydrophobic. Ideal for use in dry wall insulation, concrete mixes, lightweight screeds, and renders. Commonly specified for Pizza ovens and fire pits. |
| Ultrafine Litefill | 0.3-0.75mm | A finer grade of our coated Perlite for those that need a smoother dense finish. |
Exfoliators also manufacture four grades of Premium Perlite Filter Aid, these four grades are:
- EXF 05
- EXF 10
- EXF 20
- EXF 40
- EXF 50
- EXF 60
- EXF 70
The uses, benefits and further information of these various grades of Exfoliators Premium Perlite can be found in their specific areas:
Contact Exfoliators
Alternatively for further information, please contact one of our friendly sales staff to find a product that will suit your needs at (03) 9706 6049 or via email at [email protected].
For a Data Sheet on Premium Perlite Australia please:
For a Chemical Analysis please:
FAQs
1. What is the minimum order quantity for wholesale perlite?
We supply perlite from bagged product through to bulk bags and full container loads, covering both smaller trade orders and large commercial volumes. Just let us know what you’re after and we’ll confirm availability and minimum order quantities — call our sales team on (03) 9706 6049 or email us with your requirements.
2. Do you supply perlite in bulk or contract volumes for manufacturers and growers?
Yes. We manufacture perlite in commercial volumes and supply bulk bags and container loads to growers, hydroponic operators, manufacturers and construction clients. We also offer contract supply arrangements for customers with recurring requirements.
3. Which perlite grade should I choose for my application?
We manufacture a full range of perlite grades, from Super Coarse (jumbo) down to Ultrafine Litefill, each suited to different uses from potting mixes and hydroponics through to insulation and construction. Tell our sales team your application and we’ll recommend the right grade.
4. What’s the difference between standard perlite and Litefill?
Standard perlite is naturally absorbent and holds water, which makes it ideal for horticulture and hydroponics. Litefill is our coated perlite: the coating makes it hydrophobic so it won’t absorb liquid, which suits it to drywall insulation, concrete mixes, lightweight screeds, renders, and applications like pizza ovens and fire pits.
5. Can you supply custom or treated grades for specific industrial specs?
Yes. Beyond our standard grades we can supply custom blends of perlite to suit specific requirements, including our hydrophobic Litefill treatment. While we’re unable to adjust particle size beyond our standard grades, send our team your specification and we’ll advise on what we can produce.
6. Where is your perlite sourced, and does single-source supply affect consistency?
We source our perlite from a single mine in Northern Australia, chosen after comparison against global samples for its superior expansion and quality. Single-source supply means consistent, reliable product from batch to batch, an advantage for customers who need dependable specifications over time.
7. What are your typical lead times for wholesale and bulk orders?
Our lead times vary depending on the product, grade, order quantity, and stock availability. Our sales team will provide an estimated lead time when order is placed.
8. Do you offer contract packaging or private-label packing?
Yes. We offer contract packaging and can pack Premium Perlite to your specifications, including private-label options. See our Contract Packaging page or contact our team to discuss your requirements.
9. Where do you deliver, and can you arrange freight for bulk perlite?
We’re based in Dandenong, Victoria, and deliver perlite nationally and internationally. Because expanded perlite is very lightweight (a bulk density of around 50–75 kg/m³), freight is usually volume-driven rather than weight-driven. We can organise freight on your behalf — comparing our trusted carriers to secure the most competitive price for your order — or work with your preferred carrier if you have one. See our Transportation and Export page, or contact us for a delivery quote.
10. Do you export perlite internationally?
Yes. Alongside supplying across Australia, we make regular export shipments of our Premium Perlite to overseas locations including New Zealand, the United States of America, Japan, China, Singapore and Thailand. We can arrange container shipping and the associated export documentation. Contact our team to discuss requirements for your region, or see our Transportation and Export page.
11. Can you provide SDS, chemical analysis, and technical data sheets for procurement/compliance?
Yes. We provide Safety Data Sheets, chemical analysis and sieve analysis / technical data sheets for our Premium Perlite. These are on our SDS page, available as downloadable PDFs on our website, or on request to support your procurement and compliance.
12. Do you supply perlite filter aid, and is that ordered separately?
Yes, though our perlite filter aid is offered through our dedicated brand, Filterlite, which supplies a range of filter-grade perlite (our EXF grades) for filtration applications. If you need filter aid, contact our team, and we’ll direct you to the right product.
13. Should I use perlite or vermiculite for my application?
Both improve soil, but they behave differently: perlite excels at aeration and drainage, while vermiculite holds more water and nutrients. As a rule of thumb, choose perlite where you need free drainage and oxygen at the roots, and vermiculite where moisture retention matters more. Our ‘Vermiculite vs. Perlite’ article explains the differences in detail.
14. Do you supply to distributors and resellers?
Yes. We supply distributors and resellers, and can support you with reliable volume, consistent grades and full product documentation. Contact our sales team to discuss reseller arrangements and terms.