Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is mined from deposits around the world and ever increasing in popularity thanks to its applications in industry and agriculture and its environmentally sustainable nature

The applications Diatomaceous Earth is often used for is in industries such as:

• Agriculture
• Poultry
• Pest Control
• Industrial (Filter Aid, Filler, Insulation, Pool Filter)

It is often given other names including Diatomite and Organic Shell Powder due to its appearance.

Millions of years in the making, Diatomaceous Earth is composed of fossilized algae called diatoms which after dying and forming outer shells made of silica, settle on the bottom of sea or lake beds. From here they will fossilize into a soft chalky rock like substance.

While small and a complex framework, biologists consider diatoms to be one of the most important groups of basic organisms; all other aquatic life to some degree depends on them.

DE consists of billions of minute silica frameworks. The frustules are strong and support intricate internal frameworks with maximum void space. The small size of the open pores gives Diatomite excellent particulate holding and removal properties for filtration

It’s important to note, not all Diatomaceous Earth is the same. You will find the better quality Diatomaceous Earth is sourced from fresh water sediments which is preferred due to being richer in silicon dioxide.

The diatoms differ between deposits and will highly influence their efficiency in certain applications. As an example some deposits may be low in crystalline silica and considered safe for humans, this is normally considered after treatment, Food Grade. The filter-grade type which in most cases is calcined, is high in crystalline silica and toxic to humans.