Shiny silver flecks in tarantula substate?

[jabspeach]

Hello all! I just have a quick question.

I bought some soil for my enclosure called habistat spider bedding, and I noticed some silver, shiny flecks in her soil. I've done research on this and can't find much about it. Is this normal? Are the flecks possibly some ingredient to stop mold? I'm not sure as it says nothing about it on the packaging but I have seen other people's enclosures which also have these shiny specks in. Any ideas? For some reason it won't allow me to upload a picture so I'll have to reply to this message with the image down below

Hello all! I just have a quick question.

I bought some soil for my enclosure called habistat spider bedding, and I noticed some silver, shiny flecks in her soil. I've done research on this and can't find much about it. Is this normal? Are the flecks possibly some ingredient to stop mold? I'm not sure as it says nothing about it on the packaging but I have seen other people's enclosures which also have these shiny specks in. Any ideas? For some reason it won't allow me to upload a picture so I'll have to reply to this message with the image down below

 

[DaveM]

That's probably vermiculite. Many have kept tarantulas with pure vermiculite as substrate. It's totally safe (at least these days; some vermiculite sourced 30+ years ago for use in housing insulation contained asbestos, which is obviously not safe).
Vermiculite is an inert silicate mineral with some beneficial properties, such as a great ability to hold moisture and to counteract compaction of heavy soils.
You have no cause to worry. It's a fine addition to the substrate

 

[jabspeach]

That's probably vermiculite. Many have kept tarantulas with pure vermiculite as substrate. It's totally safe (at least these days; some vermiculite sourced 30+ years ago for use in housing insulation contained asbestos, which is obviously not safe).
Vermiculite is an inert silicate mineral with some beneficial properties, such as a great ability to hold moisture and to counteract compaction of heavy soils.
You have no cause to worry. It's a fine addition to the substrate

I am so glad it'd safe I've never heard that before!! Thankyou for informing me I really appreciate it

 

[curtisgiganteus]

Vermiculite. Helps retain moisture

 

[campj]

some vermiculite sourced 30+ years ago for use in housing insulation contained asbestos

I need to get in on this. Big whiff of urticating setae and mesothelioma every time I open the top. Call up my mesothelioma lawyer (that guy on TV) and CASH IN!

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Vermiculite, it's harmless, it's used to help with soil aeration and retaining moisture.

 

[viper69]

Vermic is weathered mica