Perlite and vermiculite. Perlite is a volcanic rock that has been super heated into very lightweight expanded glass pebbles. It is used loose or in plastic sleeves immersed in the water. It is also used in potting soil mixes to decrease the soil density. Perlite has similar properties and uses to vermiculite but in general, holds more air and less water. Like perlite, vermiculite is a mineral that has been super heated until it has expanded into light pebbles. Vermiculite holds more water than perlite and has a natural ??icking?