Vermiculite is a member of the phyllosilicate group of minerals, resembling mica in appearance. It is found in various parts of the world, but the details given here relate to the deposits mined in the GUDUR region of the NELLORE (DIST), ANDHRAPRADESH. Vermiculite is basically a hydrated phlogopite mica which has the remarkable ability to expand to many times its original volume when heated, a property known as exfoliation. Various chemical formulae are given for vermiculite.