[ver-mik-yuh-lahyt] 
| any of a group of platy minerals, hydrous silicates of aluminum, magnesium, and iron, that expand markedly on being heated: used in the expanded state for heat insulation and as a plant growth medium. |
| ver·mic·u·lite (vər-mĭk'yə-līt') n. Any of a group of micaceous hydrated silicate minerals related to the chlorites and used in heat-expanded form as insulation and as a planting medium. [Latin vermiculus, diminutive of vermis, worm; see vermicular + -ite1.] |
vermiculite
clay mineral similar to montmorillonite in structure and, in some cases, composition. Vermiculite is typically formed by the alteration of biotite, and it occurs both as large pseudomorphs replacing biotite and as small particles in soils and ancient sediments. It is also formed at the interface between acidic intrusive rocks and basic rocks such as pyroxenites and dunites. Large deposits occur in South Africa, Australia, Russia, and Brazil. In the United States, it is found in Montana and the Carolinas. For chemical formula and detailed physical properties, see clay mineral (table)
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yəˌlaɪt