Settable compositions comprising unexpanded perlite and methods of cementing in subterranean formations

A method of cementing comprising:

• placing a settable composition into a well bore, the settable composition comprising:
• unexpanded perlite in an amount of about 20% to about 50% by weight of cementitious components, wherein unexpanded perlite is ground to a mean particle size of about 1 micron to about 100 microns,
• cement kiln dust in an amount of about 50% to about 80% by weight of the cementitious components,
• lime in an amount of about 1% to about 10% by weight of the cementitious components, and water;
• and
• allowing the settable composition to set.

A method of cementing comprising:

• placing a settable composition, the settable composition comprising:
• ground and unexpanded perlite in an amount sufficient to increase compressive strength of the settable composition,
• cement kiln dust,
• a cement and pumicite mixture comprising pumicite interground with cement,
• water;
• and
• allowing the settable composition to set.