Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight concrete aggregates that can be added to concrete mixes for different purposes. These are both used to make concrete lighter and to increase insulation values of concrete. They do not have the same physical properties though.

Perlite is a harder substance than vermiculite, is white in color, and is not absorbent like vermiculite. When used in a concrete mix, it does not consolidate as well as a vermiculite mix because the pieces of perlite are harder and less water absorbent. A lightweight concrete mix with perlite will feel more scratchy against your trowel when placing and smoothing it.

Vermiculite is a softer, squishy substance compared to perlite, it is brown-gold in color, and it is very absorbent. This is a handy product to have around shops and garages for cleaning up liquid spills. When vermiculite is used in a concrete mix, you do not want to mix everything together too much or too forcefully as the vermiculite can collapse and lose the beneficial properties of it. Vermiculite concrete will feel a little sticky and spongy under your trowel when placing and finishing it.

So the main differences between perlite and vermiculite in concrete comes mainly down to how each one consolidates with vibration and the feel of it when placing and finishing.
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