Perlite in its natural state is an amorphous volcanic mineral which contains 3-5% percent of combined water.
Crude perlite rock may range from transparent to light gray to glossy black,
the color of expanded perlite ranges from snowy white to grayish white.
When crushed and heated under proper conditions, it pops like “POPCORN", expanding to 20 or more times its original volume.
The unique structure of Expanded Perlite material produces with many inter-locking fragmented particles. This expansion process is due to the presence of 2 to 6% combined water in the crude perlite rock. When quickly heated to above 1600 F (870⁰ C) the crude rock pops in a manner similar to popcorn as the combined water vaporizes and creates countless tiny bubbles in the softened glassy particles.
It is these tiny glass-sealed bubbles which account for the amazing lightweight and other exceptional physical properties of expanded perlite. The expansion process also creates one of perlite's most distinguishing characteristics: its white color.
Perlite has its application in Filter Aid, textured Paints, Construction, Horticulture, Foundry and Cosmetics.
