Perlite is one of nature's most versatile minerals. It's formed by molten rock or magma flows, that cool into a substance also known as volcanic glass. During formation and cooling, water is absorbed into the raw perlite ore matrix, giving perlite its unique ability to expand when heated.

Perlite is a non-renewable resource. The world reserves of perlite are estimated at 700 million tonnes. [4] The confirmed resources of perlite existing in Armenia amount to 150 million m 3, whereas the total amount of projected resources reaches up to 3 billion m 3. [5] Considering specific density of 1.1 ton/m 3 confirmed reserves in Armenia ...

Mining the Raw Ore. The journey begins in open-pit mines, where perlite ore is extracted. The United States, with its rich volcanic regions, is a major source of perlite, though it is also mined in countries around the globe. At Perlite, our relationship with producers worldwide ensures we have access to the best sources of this raw material.

Foundry Core and Molding Sand. Perlite ore is used as a cushioning agent to compensate for the expansion of crystalline silica. It minimizes casting defects, and cleaning room costs are reduced. Refractories. It is used in the manufacture of refractories where the average temperature does not exceed approximately 2000°F.

Perlite offers thermal insulation and stable U-value performance that lasts for the entire design life of the building. Perlite lightweight concrete is ultra-lightweight, which allows for the reduction of structural building elements during the design/construction phase. Perlite is non-combustible and fire-resistant.

Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that has been used in various industrial and horticultural applications. It is a unique mineral formed when obsidian, a type of volcanic rock, is exposed to high heat. The resulting perlite is a lightweight, porous material with exceptional insulating properties and a wide range of uses.

Why Perlite Works. Rapidly heating perlite ore to temperatures of about 900°C (1,700°F) softens the volcanic glass causing entrapped water molecules in the rock to turn to steam and expand the particles like popcorn.

Ore received is inspected for size, quality, consistency, and purity. The ore is stored in large silos or bulk storage bins to protect from moisture or contamination. The ore is then fed into the furnace at a controlled rate via a bulk hopper, conveyor, and bucket elevator system.

estimated to be 480,000 tons with a value of $35 million. Crude ore production was from eight mines operated by six companies in five Western States. New Mexico and Oregon continued to be the leading producing States. Processed crude perlite was expanded at 56 plants in 27 States. Domestic apparent consumption was 670,000 tons. The

Imerys is the world's leading supplier of engineered mineral products derived from expanded perlite. Perlite is a natural alternative to plastic beads for face and body scrubs. As a filtration aid, natural, food-grade Imerys perlites …