Diatomaceous Earth Powder

Diatomaceous Earth (DE), also known as diatomite or kieselgur, is a natural mineral powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. These organisms lived in water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans millions of years ago. Their skeletons are made mainly of silica, which forms the main component of diatomaceous earth.

Over long periods of time, the remains of these organisms accumulated in sediments and formed natural deposits. Today, these deposits are mined and processed into a fine powder.

Key Features

• Natural Silica Material
• Diatomaceous earth mainly contains 80–90% silica, along with small amounts of alumina and iron oxide.
• Highly Porous Structure
• The powder contains millions of tiny pores, making it very lightweight and highly absorbent.
• Fine Powder Texture
• It is a soft white to off-white powder with particle sizes usually ranging from 10 to 200 micrometers.
• Low Density
• Due to its porous structure, diatomaceous earth is very light compared to other minerals.

Common Uses

• Diatomaceous earth powder is widely used in many industries, including:
• Filtration – Used in water and liquid filtration systems.
• Mild Abrasive – Found in products like toothpaste and metal polish.
• Natural Insect Control – Works as a mechanical insecticide against pests.
• Absorbent Material – Absorbs oils, liquids, and moisture.
• Industrial Filler – Used in plastics, rubber, and coatings.
• Agriculture & Gardening – Used in soil improvement and plant care.
• Thermal Insulation – Helps in heat insulation in industrial applications.
• Formation of Deposits

Different deposits contain different species of diatoms, depending on their age and environment. Some deposits were formed 12–13 million years ago, while others may be even older.

Younger deposits usually have better absorption properties, while very old deposits may have pores partially filled with silica, reducing their effectiveness.