What is diatomito?

Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, is a sedimentary rock that is made up of the fossilized remains of tiny single-celled aquatic organisms called diatoms. These diatoms have a hard shell made of silica that accumulates over time to form the rock.

Diatomite has a high porosity and is very absorbent, making it useful in a variety of industrial applications, such as filtration, insecticide, and as a mild abrasive. It is also used in soil amendments, animal feed, and as a natural pesticide in organic farming.

There are two main types of diatomaceous earth: food-grade and industrial-grade. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption and is often used as a supplement for its high silica content, which is beneficial for hair, nails, and skin. Industrial-grade diatomite is not safe for human consumption and should only be handled with protective gear.

Diatomite deposits are found all over the world, with the largest deposits located in the United States, China, and Denmark. The mining process involves extracting the mineral from the earth's surface or underground and milling it into a powder for various applications.