What Makes Perlite a Natural Insulator?

In its natural state, Perlite is an amorphous volcanic glass that has a relatively high water content, typically formed by the hydration of obsidian. Both versatile and sustainable, Perlite is mined and processed with a minimal impact on the environment. The largest producers of the mineral are the U.S., Turkey, Greece and China.

When perlite ore is exposured to rapid, controlled heating, it expands up to 20 times its original volume and takes on a foam-like cellular internal structure — essentially clusters of microscopic glass bubbles. This physical transformation makes expanded perlite an extremely efficient, low density insulator.