• Diatomaceous Earth Synonyms:
  

Diatomaceous silica, diatomaceous earth, diatomite, DE, TSS, diahydro, kieselgur, celatom, celite, fossil shell flour, uncalcined diatomaceous earth, CAS# 61790-53-2 (Silica, amorphous, Diatomaceous earth), CAS# 68855-54-9 (Silica, quartz, Diatomaceous  Earth),

• Diatomaceous Earth Designations:

Chemical Name: Diatomaceous silica

Chemical Formulas: SiO₂*nH₂O

• Diatomaceous Earth General Description:

a) A naturally occurring mineral derived from microscopic in size fossilized remains of marine diatoms. It has high absorption, low bulk density and high brightness.

b) Deposits have been mined for centuries and have been used in hundreds of industrial and agricultural applications.  There are two primary types of diatomaceous earth deposits - saltwater and freshwater.

c) Saltwater DE is commercially processed in the United States, primarily application as a filter aid.  Beer, wine, fruit juices, and vegetable oils are filtered through the diatoms' multitude of pores, acting as microscopic sieves.  Swimming pool and fish tank filters also utilize this material.  Because saltwater DE has a high crystalline silica content from a process called calcining (being exposed to high degrees of heat), it is not appropriate, and in fact dangerous to use in ingestible applications such as grain storage and as an animal feed additive.

d) Freshwater DE [what DE36 is] is mined from ancient lakebeds, primarily in Nevada and Arizona, and is ideal for agricultural uses because it typically has a low crystalline silica content (amorphous), and is highly absorptive.  Documented use of diatomite by the Chinese for pest control dates back almost 4,000 years.  Because of its ability to kill insects, DE has been used in grain storage for generations.  As awareness of and concern about chemical pesticides grow, non-toxic, natural, diatomaceous earth is enjoying renewed attention and interest.  As well, many farmers and ranchers tout DE as a neutral anthelmentic (de-wormer), and are finding great success by adding it to their livestock feed to keep their goats, sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, and fowl healthy and clean without the use of chemical drugs.

• Diatomaceous Earth Typical Chemical Purities Available:

We believe that there are two basic grades available.

a) One grade is suitable for use as a garden insecticide (crystalline silica content is around 0.36% to 1.12%) and is usually approved by both the EPA and the FDA.

b) The other grade is sold by swimming pool suppliers (crystalline silica content is close to 60%) as a filtering agent.

SiO2= 86.30%, Al2O3= 4.50%, Fe2O3= 1.57% and CaO= 1.43%

• Diatomaceous Earth Typical Granulations Available:

a) Powder sized finer than 45 microns

b) Standard average particle sizes available are: 8 microns, 16 microns and 24 microns

• Diatomaceous Earth Nominal Physical Constants:  

• Diatomaceous Earth Typical Applications:

A silica source in the production of calcium silicates, insulation bricks and material in safes, fireproof filing cabinets, etc. Used in the paint, varnish, lacquer, and polish industries. Used as an insecticide in gardens and in swimming pools as a filtering agent.

• Diatomaceous Earth Packaging Options:

Bags, drums and bulk bags

• Diatomaceous Earth TSCA (SARA Title III) Status:

Listed. For further information please call the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at +1-202-554-1404

• CDC International Chemical Safety Card for Uncalcined Diatomaceous Earth:

Please Visit This Link

• Diatomaceous Earth Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Numbers:

a) CAS# 61790-53-2 (Silica, amorphous, Diatomaceous earth)

b) CAS# 68855-54-9 (Silica, quartz, Diatomaceous  earth)

• Note: The Safety Information On This Page Was Last Updated On: 25 January 2012