GELSENROT
PORLITH
A raw material from nature for nature
During prehistoric times, approx. 48 million years ago, there was a volcanic eruption near the small town of Messel; hot rock melt was forced out at 1200°C. Less than 100 m below the earth's surface this so-called magma met with ground water. The water evaporated explosively, the surrounding rock was smashed and an explosion funnel was formed. After the volcanic eruption ceased, penetrating ground-water filled the hole that was left. A lake was formed.
On the bed of the Messeler lake, plant and animal residues, as well as other sediments have deposited over a period of approx. 1.5 million years, the latter being predominantly particles of finest clay. Chemical-mineralogical processes led to a consolidation of the sediments and the formation of relatively solid rock, the Messeler âClay schistâ.
At the end of the 19th century, by means of low-temperature carbonising, they started to liquefy the organic content of the clay schist consisting of cerogene, and to exploit it as crude oil. The burned clay schist was stockpiled after the low-temperature carbonising process. Through the strong heating process, partial melting of the raw material occurred in the stockpile. Therefore, degradation into a mixture of baked, red claystone residue and porous lava-type melted matter takes place. Porlith is mined as a result of the current reduction activities concerning this stockpile.
PORLITH consists predominantly of swell-capable clay minerals which can absorb large quantities of water, far more than is known from comparable raw materials. This makes it so valuable for the recovery of special construction materials.
PORLITH is processed in mixing and dosing units for Europe-wide use in gardening and landscaping. By adding e.g. lava, sands, grits etc., special construction materials are obtained that have been quality tested, in accordance with DIN, FLL und RAL.