vermiculite
Heat-puffed garden addite
Vermiculite is a mineral that expands dramatically when heated, forming lightweight, accordion-like granules.
The expanded material excels at retaining moisture and insulating against heat, making it valuable in gardening soil mixes, construction insulation, and fireproofing: Mix vermiculite into the potting soil to improve drainage.
It resembles perlite but holds more water.
Layered silicate mineral
- silicateOxygen-bound crystal compound
- biotiteIron-rich layered silicate
- hydrousContaining water molecules
- exfoliationShedding surface skin cells
foliated · luster · crystal · mineralogy · geology · nonmetallic · inorganic · metamorphic
Unable to ignite
- fire-resistantSlow to catch flame
- noncombustibleUnable to catch fire
- flame-retardantInhibits ignition and burning
- fire-retardantResists ignition and burning
refractory · high-temperature · heat-resistant · soundproofing · construction · acoustic · fireplace · chimney
Heat-popped volcanic glass
- peatWaterlogged decomposed vegetation
- aerationInfusing with oxygen
- rootingActively cheering someone on
- germinationSeed's initial growth phase
propagation · hydroponics · greenhouse · compost · mulch · drainage · soilless · transplanting
Shedding surface skin cells
- heatingRaising temperature artificially
- puffingLabored breathing, short bursts
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
- volumeAmount of space filled
enlargement · intumescence · popping · lightweight · processing · kiln · furnace · expanded
Process of taking in
- hygroscopicAbsorbs moisture from surroundings
- desiccantMoisture-absorbing material
- hazmatToxic materials needing precautions
- capillarySmallest blood vessel
mica
Layered silicate mineral
- silicateOxygen-bound crystal compound
- biotiteIron-rich layered silicate
- hydrousContaining water molecules
exfoliation · foliated · luster · crystal · mineralogy · geology · nonmetallic · inorganic · metamorphic · igneous
fireproof
Unable to ignite
- fire-resistantSlow to catch flame
- noncombustibleUnable to catch fire
- flame-retardantInhibits ignition and burning
fire-retardant · refractory · high-temperature · heat-resistant · soundproofing · construction · acoustic · fireplace · chimney
perlite
Heat-popped volcanic glass
- peatWaterlogged decomposed vegetation
- aerationInfusing with oxygen
- rootingActively cheering someone on
germination · propagation · hydroponics · greenhouse · compost · mulch · drainage · soilless · transplanting · houseplants
exfoliation
Shedding surface skin cells
- heatingRaising temperature artificially
- puffingLabored breathing, short bursts
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
volume · enlargement · intumescence · popping · lightweight · processing · kiln · furnace · expanded · granules
absorption
Process of taking in
- hygroscopicAbsorbs moisture from surroundings
- desiccantMoisture-absorbing material
- hazmatToxic materials needing precautions
- mineralsquartz, marble, granite, limestone, sandstone
- garden suppliesrake, planters, hoe, shovel, pots
- garden prepdigging, tilling, soil testing, soil amendment, fertilizing
- growing mediapotting mix, potting soil, garden soil, perlite, peat moss
- seed startinggrow lights, potting soil, seedlings, seed trays, peat pots
- soft mineralstalc, gypsum, soapstone, chalk, alabaster