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. 

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).

Typical analysis

SiO2: 70–75% 

Al2O3: 12–15%

Na2O: 3–4%

K2O: 3–5%

Fe2O3: 0.5-2%

MgO: 0.2–0.7%

CaO: 0.5–1.5%

loss on ignition: 3–5%

Use

In the construction and manufacturing fields, it is used in lightweight plasters, concrete and mortar (masonry), insulationand ceiling tiles. It may also be used to build composite materials that are sandwich-structured or to create syntactic foam. 

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.

Perlite is an excellent filtration aid and used 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.

Perlite is also used in foundries, cryogenic insulation, and ceramics (as a clay additive).

Perlite is a useful additive to gardens and hydroponic setups.

Perlite is physically stable and retains its shape even when pressed into the soil.

It has a neutral PH level.

It contains no toxic chemicals and is made from naturally occurring compounds found in soil.

Perlite is directly comparable to another mineral additive called Vermiculite. Both have overlapping functions and help with soil aeration and seed starting.