Vermiculite   The mineralogical name given to hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminium-iron silicate which resembles mica in appearance.   Vermiculite is used in a number of diverse applications such as a growing medium in the horticultural industry because of its excellent water retention properties. In the agricultural industry it is used as a carrier for vitamins and other nutritional substances for livestock as it is absolutely sterile and environmentally friendly. In the building industry vermiculite mixed with cement provides a lightweight spreading material with excellent insulation properties. It is also used with cement and other additives as a fireproofing material. Mandoval Vermiculite, the leading company in SA, supplies 5 grades of vermiculite, raw or exfoliated. The company is also an ISO 9001:2000 accredited organisation.     Vermiculite being loaded for delivery at the Mandoval Factory.   Typical applications include:   Growing Medium Insulation Light Weight Screeds Carrier for Animal Health Care Products   Mandoval Vermiculite is also a leading manufacturer of fire protective plasters and coatings.