vermiculite

[Lat. vermicul ( or ) = I breed worms; suff. -ite ( Min.).] small mica-like scales in steatite, at Milbury, near Min.: A name given to a mineral occurring in Worcester, Ma achusetts. Crystallization, hexagonal; hardne , 1 to 2; specific gravity, 2.756; luster, like tale; color, grayish. An analysis yielded: Silica, 3574; alumina, 16'42; protoxide of iron, 10-02; magnesia, 27.44; water, 10:30=99.92. Exfoliates on heating, twisting into worm-like bodies. A decomposition-product of mica, to which other named substances of similar origin may be referred. ver-mic-u-loŭs, ver-mic-u-lōse, adj . [Lat. vermiculosus , from vermiculus =a vermicule (q. v.).] 1. Full of or containing worms or grubs. 2. Resembling worms. ver-mi form, a . [Fr. vermiforme , from Lat. ver mis a worm, and form a =form.] Having the form or shape of a worm, or of its motions; heminthoid.