Product Overview
Organic Vermiculite - Fine Grade is an expanded mineral material prized for its low bulk density, thermal resistance, and moisture-holding capacity. The fine particle sizing makes it suitable for applications where uniform distribution matters — soil blending, thin-section insulation fills, and lightweight cementitious mixes that need consistent aggregate dispersion.
This product serves growers, contractors, concrete batch operators, and industrial packagers who need a stable, inert, lightweight mineral in fine particle form. Alliance Chemical offers it in sizes from 1.5 lb bags for bench-scale work up to 2 cubic ft bags for production volumes.
Why This Grade
Fine grade refers to particle sizing. Smaller vermiculite particles pack more tightly and distribute more evenly than medium or coarse grades, which changes how the material performs in a mix. In soil amendments, fine vermiculite blends uniformly through potting media and seed-starting mixes without creating voids. In insulation pours, it fills narrow cavities and irregular spaces that coarser grades bridge over. In lightweight concrete aggregate formulations, fine particles yield a smoother finished surface and more homogeneous density throughout the pour.
If your application calls for better flow into tight spaces, more uniform blending, or a finer finished texture, this grade is the right starting point. Buyers working with open cavity fills or loose-pour insulation where maximum loft matters may want to evaluate coarser grades for that specific use.
Chemical Profile
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring phyllosilicate mineral. When heated, it exfoliates — expanding into the lightweight, accordion-shaped particles that give expanded vermiculite its characteristic low density and high porosity. Detailed physical and chemical specifications for this product, including particle size distribution, bulk density, and mineral composition, are documented in the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) available on request. Consult the product SDS for a full breakdown of composition and physical properties.
Industrial Applications
-
Soil Amendment (Agriculture & Horticulture): Mixed into growing media to improve aeration and water retention. The fine particles hold moisture at the root zone while preventing compaction, making them a standard component in commercial potting soils, seed germination trays, and greenhouse blends.
-
Insulation Material (Construction): Poured or blown into wall cavities, attic spaces, and block cores as a lightweight thermal insulator. Fine grade fills narrow or irregular voids that coarser material cannot reach, reducing thermal bridging in older masonry construction.
-
Lightweight Aggregate (Concrete & Plaster): Substituted for sand or conventional aggregate to reduce the density of concrete, plaster, and cementitious coatings. The result is a lighter finished product with improved thermal and acoustic properties — used in roof decks, floor screeds, and fire-rated assemblies.
-
Fireproofing Material (Manufacturing): Incorporated into spray-applied fireproofing, fire-resistant board, and intumescent coatings. Vermiculite's thermal stability allows it to maintain structural integrity at elevated temperatures, adding passive fire protection to steel and concrete substrates.
-
Packaging Material (Shipping): Used as loose-fill cushioning for fragile or hazardous items during transit. The fine particles conform around irregular shapes, absorb shock, and — for certain regulated shipments — can serve as absorbent packing around containers.
Handling & Storage
Vermiculite is a mineral dust. When handling dry material — especially fine grade — wear a NIOSH-rated dust mask or respirator and safety glasses or goggles to prevent inhalation and eye irritation. Gloves are recommended to avoid prolonged skin contact with dust. Work in well-ventilated areas or use local exhaust ventilation to keep airborne particulate below nuisance-dust limits.
Store in a cool, dry location in sealed bags or covered containers. Vermiculite readily absorbs moisture; wet material gains weight and may clump, reducing its effectiveness as insulation or lightweight fill. Keep bags off the ground on pallets and away from standing water. Avoid storage near strong acids or bases, which can degrade the mineral structure over time.
No GHS signal word or hazard statements are assigned for this product per its current classification. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for complete hazard communication information.
Hazmat & Shipping
Organic Vermiculite - Fine Grade does not carry a UN number, DOT hazard class, or packing group assignment. Based on the product's current classification, it is not regulated as a hazardous material for ground transport under 49 CFR. Standard freight and parcel carriers generally accept it without hazmat documentation.
Note that carrier-specific policies, route restrictions, and surcharge schedules are set by each carrier independently — the absence of a DOT hazard classification does not guarantee any particular shipping rate or service level. Contact our shipping team for freight quotes on bulk quantities. Shipping guidance reviewed by Andre Taki, DOT Hazmat Specialist.
Documentation
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in English ships with every order. A lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available on request, documenting the material characteristics of your specific shipment. A Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is also available, providing detailed product specifications and performance data. Request any of these documents through our product page or by contacting our team directly.
Why Buy from Alliance Chemical
This product ships with full documentation — SDS, COA, and TDS — so your receiving team has the paperwork it needs on arrival. Alliance Chemical has served over 50,000 customers since 1998 from our warehouse at 204 S Edmond St, Taylor, Texas, handling everything from fine mineral powders to full-hazmat liquids with the same attention to packaging integrity. Every product listing and its shipping classification are reviewed by Andre Taki, DOT Hazmat Specialist, so the transport information you see on this page reflects the current regulatory status of what we ship.
