Aerogel Particles: The Lightest Solid on Earth

Aerogel is one of the most remarkable materials ever developed. Often called “frozen smoke” for its ethereal appearance, this ultra-light solid is composed of up to 99.8% air. Despite its delicate look, it’s safe to handle, hydrophobic (repels water), and among the most effective insulators known. Perfect for educators, researchers, or anyone fascinated by advanced materials science. What It Is: Aerogels are formed by replacing the liquid in a gel with gas, creating an open, highly porous structure. This unique composition gives them the lowest thermal conductivity of any solid, making them ideal for extreme insulation applications — from Mars rovers to space suit layers. Their extraordinary porosity also allows them to trap microscopic particles, which is why NASA used aerogels to capture interstellar dust. Product Details: 30 mL tube Tube net weight: 0.087 oz (2.47 g) CAS No.: 102262-30-6 High Quality silica aerogel particles.    Try It: Simple Demonstrations • Water-Repelling Hand Test Rub a small amount of aerogel between dry hands, then pour a little water into your palm. The water will bead up and roll around without wetting your skin, demonstrating aerogel’s powerful hydrophobic behavior. • Dry-Hand Immersion Test After coating your hand with aerogel, slowly place it into a clear container of water. When you remove your hand, it will come out completely dry. Looking through the side of the container, you can see a visible water barrier forming around your skin as the aerogel repels the liquid. Safety Information: Silica aerogels are non-toxic, but their extreme dryness can cause temporary irritation to skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Always wear gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection when handling or processing raw aerogel materials. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (PDF) for full details.