Perlite Suppliers in Kenya

Perlite is a naturally occurring mineral, and it exists in nature as a type of volcanic glass. When water saturates volcanic obsidian glass over time, perlite starts to form.Perlite is a non-renewable resource since it’s a naturally occurring mineral.It is an inexpensive material, and it has plenty of uses outside of gardening. Many companies use the mineral in the manufacturing of plaster, as well as masonry and ceiling tiles.

When perlite ore is heated rapidly in industrial furnaces, the volcanic glass softens, causing the entrapped water molecules to turn to steam and expand the perlite particles—much like popcorn. This can increase in volume up to 20 times its original size. The expansion process renders the perlite partially transparent, and the resulting complex refraction changes the color from a light gray to bright white. These expanded perlite particles are lightweight and insulated glass bubbles that can hold water and air.

Appearing as tiny, roundish white specks amid the other components, perlite in potting soil is a non-organic additive used to aerate the media. Vermiculite is also a soil additive utilized for aeration (though less so than perlite), but the two are not always interchangeable, although as rooting mediums, both provide the same benefit.

Its unique characteristics of being lightweight,perfect in aeration of soil, sterile, insulating, and fireproof make it an important element in construction, agriculture and industrial applications.Other uses of perlite include masonry construction, cement, and gypsum plasters and loose-fill insulation. Perlite is also used in pharmaceuticals and municipal swimming pool water filtration as well as an abrasive in polishes, cleansers, and soaps.

Characteristics of Perlite

• Lightweight
• Free of organic contaminants
• Insulating
• Fireproof
• Pest-proof