| Angle of repose: |
38 °C to 26 °C according to grade |
| Specific heat: |
1,03 kJ/kg.K at 20 °C |
| 1,05 kJ/kg.K at 30 °C |
| Specific gravity: |
2,5 to 2,6 depending on grade |
Mohs Hardness:
|
between 1 & 2 |
| pH Value: |
8,5 – 10 |
| Weight loss: |
at 105 °C -4,5 to 6,5% |
| at 950 °C -8,5 to 10,0% |
Aspect ratio:
|
| |
As received, this varies from 7:1 to 30:1 depending on grade. Mechanical processing can produce aspect ratios of 50:1. Chemical and mechanical processing can produce ratios of 200:1. |
|
| Cation exchange: |
The exchangeable cation normally present in vermiculite is magnesium. The cation exchange capacity of Palabora vermiculite is up to 600 miliequivalents per kg. The rate of cation exchange will depend on exposed surface area, therefore, the best results are obtained using exfoliated vermiculite. |