Vermicompost vs. Vermiculite

Vermicompostverb

To employ worms to break down organic waste into soil or humus

Vermicompostnoun

the product of worm composting; worm castings

Vermicompost

Vermicompost (vermi-compost) is the product of the decomposition process using various species of worms, usually red wigglers, white worms, and other earthworms, to create a mixture of decomposing vegetable or food waste, bedding materials, and vermicast. This process is called vermicomposting, while the rearing of worms for this purpose is called vermiculture.

Vermiculitenoun

(mineral) A hydrated silicate mineral which expands on heating; it is used in insulation and as a medium for planting.

Vermiculitenoun

A group of minerals having, a micaceous structure. They are hydrous silicates, derived generally from the alteration of some kind of mica. So called because the scales, when heated, open out into wormlike forms.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a hydrous phyllosilicate mineral which undergoes significant expansion when heated. Exfoliation occurs when the mineral is heated sufficiently, and commercial furnaces can routinely produce this effect.