Is it like dust or is it small granules?
Seems like you could adjust up the perlite fraction of a mix if its fine granules compared to coarse and achieve a similar result.
Also of interest is how some larger particles are important for aeration.
It seems any grow media is a balancing act of air filled porosity and water holding capacity.
Figure 1 is interesting.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...H-4VzLUqM_3cjA