Diatomit

Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth in its loose form, is a soft, crumbly sedimentary rock composed mainly of the fossilized silica-based skeletons of diatoms, a group of microscopic algae. Diatoms accumulate in lakes, rivers, and oceans, and over time their siliceous frustules lithify into diatomite. The rock is typically rich in amorphous silica and has a highly porous, low-density texture, often ranging from white to gray.

Diatomite’s porous microstructure gives it a large surface area and strong adsorption capacity. Its silica content is commonly about 80–90 percent SiO2, with minor impurities such as alumina, iron oxides, or organic matter. These properties make diatomite especially valuable as a filtration medium. It is widely used to filter drinking water, beer and wine, and other liquids, and serves as a filtration aid in various industrial processes. In addition, diatomite is employed as a mild abrasive in toothpaste, as a filler and carrier in paints, plastics, and pesticides, and as an absorbent for spills and pest-control formulations.

Deposits are found worldwide, with substantial beds in the United States (for example California, Oregon, and Nevada), as well as in Turkey, Greece, and Japan. Diatomite is mined and processed into raw diatomaceous earth for filtration and other applications, or transformed through calcination and processing for specialized industrial uses. Health and safety considerations emphasize dust control, since fine diatomite dust can irritate the respiratory system; amorphous silica is generally less hazardous than crystalline silica, but proper handling is advised.