Perlite

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For the two-phased structure in steel, see pearlite.

Expanded perlite

Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that has a relatively high water content, typically formed
by the hydration of obsidian. It occurs naturally and has the unusual property of greatly
expanding when heated sufficiently. It is an industrial mineral and a commercial product useful
for its low density after processing.

Contents
 1 Properties
 2 Typical analysis of perlite
 3 Production and uses
o 3.1 Substitutes
 4 Occupational safety
o 4.1 United States
 5 See also
 6 References
 7 External links

Properties

Perlite boulders with fireweed in foreground

Perlite softens when it reaches temperatures of 850–900 °C (1,560–1,650 °F). Water trapped in
the structure of the material vaporises and escapes, and this causes the expansion of the material
to 7–16 times its original volume. The expanded material is a brilliant white, due to the
reflectivity of the trapped bubbles. Unexpanded ("raw") perlite has a bulk density around
1100 kg/m3 (1.1 g/cm3), while typical expanded perlite has a bulk density of about 30–150 kg/m3
(0.03-0.150 g/cm3).[1]

Typical analysis of perlite

 70–75% silicon dioxide: SiO2
 12–15% aluminium oxide: Al2O3
 3–4% sodium oxide: Na2O
 3–5% potassium oxide: K2O
 0.5-2% iron oxide: Fe2O3
 0.2–0.7% magnesium oxide: MgO
  0.5–1.5% calcium oxide: CaO
 3–5% loss on ignition (chemical / combined water)

Production and uses

Perlite output in 2005

Perlite mine in Owens Valley, California.

Perlite is a non-renewable resource. The world reserves of perlite are estimated at 700 million
tonnes. In 2011, 1.7 million tonnes were produced, mostly by Greece (500,000 t), United States
(375,000 t) and Turkey (220,000 t). However, no information for China – a leading producer –
was available.[2] As of 2003, Greece was a leader in processed perlite production; however,
estimates of perlite production from the report USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2013
indicate that the U.S. may have overtaken Greece.[3]

Because of its low density and relatively low price (about US$50 per tonne of unexpanded
perlite), many commercial applications for perlite have developed. In the construction and
manufacturing fields, it is used in lightweight plasters, concrete and mortar (masonry), insulation
and ceiling tiles.[4] In horticulture, perlite can be used as a soil amendment or alone as a medium
for hydroponics or for starting cuttings. When used as an amendment it has high permeability /
low water retention and helps prevent soil compaction.[5] Perlite is an excellent filtration aid and
is used extensively as an alternative to diatomaceous earth. The popularity of perlite usage as a
filter medium is growing considerably worldwide. Perlite filters are fairly commonplace in
filtering beer before it is bottled.

Small quantities of perlite are also used in foundries, cryogenic insulation, and in ceramics as a
clay additive. It is also used by the explosives industry.[6] Due to thermal and mechanical
stability, non-toxicity, and high resistance against microbial attacks and organic solvents, perlite
is widely used in biotechnological applications. Perlite was found to be an excellent support for
immobilization of biocatalysts such as enzymes for bioremediation and sensing applications. [7]

Estimated perlite consumption Cost of unexpanded perlite[9]

in the U.S. by application[2] End of Price in the U.S.
Fraction Use[8] year $ per metric ton
53% building construction products 2001 $36.30
14% horticultural aggregate 2002 $36.50
14% fillers 2003 $38.20
8% filter aid 2004 $41.80[4]
11% other 2005 $40.50[4]
2006 $42.90
2007 $45.30
2008 $48.00
2009 $49.00
Substitutes

Perlite can be substituted for all of its uses. Substitutes include:[3]

 Diatomite
 Expanded clay
 Shale
 Pumice
 Slag
 Vermiculite

Occupational safety
People can be exposed to perlite in the workplace by breathing in dust, skin contact, and eye
contact.

United States

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the legal limit (permissible
exposure limit) for perlite exposure in the workplace as 15 mg/m3 total exposure and 5 mg/m3
respiratory exposure over an 8-hour workday. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) has set a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 10 mg/m3 total exposure and
5 mg/m3 respiratory exposure over an 8-hour workday.[10]

See also
 Expanded clay aggregate, an alternative lightweight filler for building materials
 Biochar, the large surface area of carbon molecules increases the soil structure, aeration,
nutrient and water retention capacity. Biochar creates a healthy soil in which micro-
organisms thrive
 Vermiculite, many expanders of perlite are also exfoliating vermiculite and belong to
both trade associations
 Diatomite, used for filter-aids
 Industrial minerals
 Mortar (firestop)

References
1. Maxim, L. Daniel; Niebo, Ron; McConnell, Ernest E. (2014-04-01). "Perlite toxicology
and epidemiology – a review". Inhalation Toxicology. 26 (5): 259–270.
doi:10.3109/08958378.2014.881940. ISSN 0895-8378. PMC 4002636 .
PMID 24601903.
2. Perlite, USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2011
3. USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries (PDF), 2013
4. Wallace P. Bolen Perlite USGS 2009 Minerals Yearbook
 5. "ISU Extension News Release". iastate.edu.
6. Emulsion explosive composition containing expanded perlite United States Patent
4940497
7. Torabi, Seyed-Fakhreddin; Khajeh, Khosro; Ghasempur, Salehe; Ghaemi, Nasser;
Siadat, Seyed-Omid Ranaei (2007-08-31). "Covalent attachment of cholesterol oxidase
and horseradish peroxidase on perlite through silanization: Activity, stability and co-
immobilization". Journal of Biotechnology. 131 (2): 111–120.
doi:10.1016/j.jbiotec.2007.04.015.
8. http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/perlite/mcs-2008-perli.pdf
9. "Perlite". U.S. Geological Survey Mineral Commodity Summaries: 122–123. January
2006. [1].
10. "CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards - Perlite". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved
2015-11-27.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Perlite.

 The Perlite Institute

 Mineral Information Institute – perlite
 "That Wonderful Volcanic Popcorn." Popular Mechanics, December 1954, p. 136.
 CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards