What is Perlite and/or Vermiculite?
Perlite and vermiculite are not trade names but the generic names for two naturally occurring rocks. The distinguishing feature which sets both apart from other rocks or minerals is that when heated to a suitable high temperature, they both expand. For many years perlite and vermiculite have been used in many applications ranging from lightweight aggregates for concrete and plaster, to lightweight amendments for soils and soilless mixes. They also have been used in simple, backyard applications like BBQ grilling on charcoal grills! Charbase in Use Early in the 1960’s when backyard grilling with charcoal was very popular, perlite and vermiculite began to be used as a Charcoal Base. Essentially, perlite and/or vermiculite would be poured into the grill (approximately half way between the bottom of the grill pan and the grill), and then lighter fluid would be poured in the center of the area where the charcoals would be placed Then the charcoals were placed on the perlite or vermiculite a
