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. |
| 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 20
- EXF 40
- 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: