Vermiculite in Kenya
Olinc Industrial Ltd is a leading supplier of premium-grade Vermiculite in Kenya, providing expanded and raw vermiculite for agriculture, horticulture, construction, industrial, and insulation applications.
Our vermiculite is lightweight, fire-resistant, and chemically inert, making it a versatile and eco-friendly mineral used widely across industries. Whether you need it for seed germination, soil conditioning, lightweight concrete, or thermal insulation, Olinc Industrial provides top-quality vermiculite at competitive prices — delivered across Kenya and East Africa.
What is Vermiculite?
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring hydrated magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate mineral.
When heated to high temperatures (around 900°C), it expands up to 15–20 times its original size in a process known as exfoliation.
The expanded vermiculite becomes light, porous, and highly absorbent, with excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties.
Because it is non-toxic, sterile, and fireproof, it is safe for use in agriculture, construction, packaging, and industrial insulation.
Types of Vermiculite (Fine, Medium, and Coarse Grades)
Vermiculite is classified into different grades based on particle size after expansion. Each type has distinct properties and uses across agriculture, insulation, and construction.
Fine Vermiculite (Grade 4–5)
Description:
Fine vermiculite has small, powder-like particles under 1.5 mm, with a high surface area and excellent moisture retention. It’s sterile, light, and perfect for seed germination and soil improvement.
Key Features:
- Excellent water and nutrient retention
- Pathogen-free and safe for plants
- Enhances soil aeration and texture
- Acts as a light filler in paints, coatings, and plastics
Common Uses:
- Seed starting, hydroponics, nursery propagation
- Soil conditioners and potting mixes
- Paints and coatings filler
- Fine-grade fireproof insulation panels
Medium Vermiculite (Grade 2–3)
Description:
Medium-grade vermiculite (1–3 mm) offers a balance between water retention and aeration. It’s the most versatile grade, widely used in horticulture and construction.
Key Features:
- Maintains moisture and nutrients in soil
- Improves plaster strength and fire resistance
- Stable structure that does not compact
- Neutral pH (6.5–7.5)
Common Uses:
- Potting mixes and compost improvement
- Fireproof plasters, acoustic panels, and lightweight concrete
- Absorbent for industrial chemicals and spills
Coarse Vermiculite (Grade 1–2)
Description:
Coarse vermiculite (3–6 mm) consists of large, lightweight granules with high insulating and fireproof qualities. It provides maximum heat resistance and is ideal for building and industrial insulation.
Key Features:
- Very light and porous
- Outstanding thermal and acoustic insulation
- Fire-resistant up to 1100°C
- Resistant to chemical corrosion and moisture
Common Uses:
- Roof, wall, and ceiling insulation
- Lightweight concrete and fireproof screeds
- Industrial furnace linings and cold room fills
- Packaging for fragile, heat-sensitive goods
Summary Table – Vermiculite Grades
| Property | Fine Grade | Medium Grade | Coarse Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Particle Size (mm) | <1.5 | 1–3 | 3–6 |
| Density (kg/m³) | 100–130 | 90–110 | 70–100 |
| Water Retention | Excellent | Very Good | Moderate |
| Thermal Insulation | Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Fire Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best For | Seed starting, fillers | Potting, plaster | Insulation, concrete |
| Primary Use | Agriculture, paint fillers | Horticulture, fireproofing | Construction, insulation |
Applications of Vermiculite in Kenya
Agriculture and Horticulture
- Improves soil aeration and moisture retention
- Ideal for seed germination, potting, and hydroponic systems
- Reduces watering frequency and enhances root growth
Acts as a natural soil conditioner and pH stabilizer
Construction and Building
- Used in lightweight, fire-resistant concrete
- Improves thermal and acoustic insulation in roofs and walls
Enhances fireproof plaster, renders, and cavity fills
Thermal and Acoustic Insulation
- Withstands temperatures up to 1100°C
- Suitable for furnaces, boilers, ovens, kilns, and cold rooms
- Maintains stable insulation under extreme heat
Industrial and Foundry
- Used in refractory coatings, insulation boards, and mold packing
Serves as a lightweight filler in paints, adhesives, and plastics
Packaging Material
- Acts as a shock-absorbing filler
- Non-combustible, anti-static, and food-safe
Suitable for chemical, pharmaceutical, and fragile product packaging
Technical Specifications
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Color | Golden Brown / Silver-Gold |
| Bulk Density | 70 – 130 kg/m³ (depending on grade) |
| pH | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.06 – 0.09 W/m·K |
| Max Operating Temperature | 1100°C |
| Moisture Content | <5% |
| Composition | Mg, Fe, Al Silicate |
| Grades | Fine, Medium, Coarse |
Packaging and Delivery
- Supplied in 25 kg, 50 kg, or jumbo sacks
- Available in bulk and retail quantities
- Moisture-proof packaging for quality preservation
Nationwide delivery — Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nakuru, Thika, and beyond
Benefits of Using Vermiculite
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Fireproof and heat resistant
- Eco-friendly and non-toxic
- Improves soil moisture and fertility
- Excellent sound and heat insulation
Chemically stable and long-lastingReusable and recyclable
Why Choose Olinc Industrial Ltd
- Trusted supplier of industrial and horticultural minerals
- Available in multiple grades – fine, medium, and coarse
- Technical guidance and product recommendations
- Affordable pricing for bulk and retail buyers
- Nationwide delivery across Kenya and East Africa
- Quality assured and fully certified materials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the main types of vermiculite?
Vermiculite is available in fine, medium, and coarse grades — each suited for different uses in agriculture, insulation, and construction.
- Is vermiculite safe for plants?
Yes, it is non-toxic, sterile, and enhances plant growth by retaining moisture and nutrients.
- Can vermiculite be used in concrete?
Absolutely. It creates lightweight, fire-resistant concrete and plasters.
- What’s the difference between perlite and vermiculite?
Vermiculite retains water, while perlite improves aeration — both are used in soil mixes.
- Which vermiculite grade is best for seed starting?
Fine grade vermiculite is ideal for seed germination and nursery propagation.
- Which grade is used for insulation?
Coarse vermiculite offers the best thermal insulation and fireproof performance.
- What sizes and packaging are available?
Available in fine (<1.5mm), medium (1–3mm), and coarse (3–6mm) grades, packed in 25kg or 50kg bags.
- Do you deliver outside Nairobi?
Yes, we deliver countrywide and across East Africa.
- Is vermiculite fireproof?
Yes, it withstands temperatures up to 1100°C, making it ideal for fireproof insulation.
- How can I get a quote?
Contact Olinc Industrial Ltd via phone or email with your required grade and quantity for a free quotation.
Order Vermiculite in Kenya Today
Get top-quality vermiculite for agriculture, construction, and insulation from Olinc Industrial Ltd, Kenya’s trusted supplier of industrial and horticultural minerals.
Call / WhatsApp: +254 722 830 970
Email: sales@olincindustrial.com
Website: www.olincindustrial.com