Properties and uses

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 trends

Vermiculite (Many expanders of perlite are also exfoliating vermiculite and belong to both trade associations)
Diatomite (used for filter-aids)
Industrial minerals
Mortar (firestop)