Perlite/Vermiculite what's the difference?

[COMPOST CORNER]

Just 'cause I like to know things that are of no particular use, my Perlite and Vermiculite bags both have the same basic info on the back, the gist of it being they help aeration of the potting medium and help water retention.
What is the difference? Do mine just say the same thing because it was cheap from Wilko's?
They look obviously different but as I say, seem to do the same job.

[piskieinboots]

I use Perlite to open the compost and use vermiculite to cover the top of the soil to stop it drying out

Vermiculite is a naturally occuring, non-toxic aluminium iron silicate mineral that has been heated to a high temperature to produce a lightweight material with a high surface area.

Perlite is a naturally occurring, non-toxic neutral volcanic rock that has been heated to a high temperature to produce a lightweight, micro-porous material with a high surface area.

[Bigmallly]

Hi CC, Perlite does not absorb water so is used for aeration whereas Vermiculite does absorb water so is used for water retention.

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[Bigmallly]

Bagger............beat me to it....