Finding Vermiculite

[nissanneill]

Hi all,
down under in Aus, I got my vermiculite from an international company called Thermal Ceramics:
www.thermalceramics.com
the Australian link is:
www.thermalceramics.com/asia/home.asp
They manufacture a whole host of refactory materials, including everything you need EXCEPT they no longer make the firebricks.
If you can't source your materials through Forno Bravo, then you might find it available through them.

Neill

[waynebergman]

Is perlite the same as vermiculite. I have access to perlite is it as good as vemiculite.....thanks Wayne

[james]

You are in good shape. Vermiculite and perlite are different, and come from different processes, but their insulating and fire resistance properties are very similar. Vermiculite is volcanic popcorn, where it is quarried and heated until it pops. I am not sure of the production process for perlite, but if you can easily find it, go for it.
James

[Frances]

For anyone looking for Vermiculte in Switzerland:

ISOLA Vermiculite AG

This company doesn't sell direct, but they are very helpful and will provide you with your closest retailer (forget do-it-yourself and garden centers, they've never heard of the stuff). It comes in a 100 liter bag and costs 20 CHF (aprox 16 USD) - which considering what I've been paying for some of the other material doesn't seem like very much at all.