•  Diatomite Synonyms:

Soda Ash Flux, Calcined diatom frustules, Amorphous silica, Diatomite, Kieselguhr,  Si02, Colonial algae, Silica, Quartz, Cristobalite, Sand, Tridymite, Aerosil, Silicic anhydride, Silicon dioxide, Infusorial earth, Christensenite, Crystoballite, Sillikolloid, Chalcedony, Dioxosilane, Novaculite, Spectrosil, Superfloss, Accusand, Amethyst, CAS# 68855-54-9 (Silica, quartz), CAS# 61790-53-2 (Silica, amorphous),

• Diatomite Designations:

Chemical Name: Diatomaceous earth, DE, organogenetic sedimentary rock, siliceous rocks, fossil flour, Kieselguhr, soda ash, flux-calcined

• Diatomite Description:

1) Diatomite is a sedimentary rock, white to light yellow in color, composed of the fossilized skeletons of diatoms, one celled algae-like plants which accumulates in marine or lacustrine environments. The honeycomb silica structures gives diatomite useful characteristics such as high absorptive capacity and surface area, chemical stability, and low bulk density.

2) Diatomite is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of the fossilized remains of unicellular fresh water plants known as Diatoms. Over the millennia the diatoms have been compressed to create one of the most effective growing mediums available. Diatomite consists of approximately 90% silicon dioxide, with the remainder of its contents being elemental minerals, which are essential for plant growth. All of these unique factors make Diatomite the premium horticultural grade medium for all growing applications.

3) All Diatomite is not created equal. You may be familiar with diatomaceous earth that is used in filters and as an insect and slug repellant. These types of products are not suitable for horticulture because the diatoms are of salt-water origin, leaving them with a high salinity level that is not suitable for plants.

4) Diatomite is generally considered to be high in silica, absorbent, porous, long lasting, environmentally friendly, pH neutral, sterilized, natural and reusable. 

• Diatomite Nominal Chemical Properties Available:

Silica= 89.70, Alumina= 3.72, Red iron oxide= 1.09, and Ignition loss= 3.70%

• Diatomite Physical Properties Available:

a) Granules-- Fine grained powder, small grained, medium grained and large grained

b) #1 Fine (.5mm-2mm), #2 Small (2mm-7mm), #3 Medium (7mm-15mm), #4 Large (15mm-25mm)

• Diatomite Nominal Physical Constants:

Diatomite is principally used in filtration of various alcoholic beverages, sugar, oil, organic and inorganic chemicals, and water. It is also used as a filler in absorbents for pet litter and oil spills. Other uses are: pesticide carrier, roughness and flatting agent in paint; an anti-blocking agent in polyethylene film; a soft abrasive in silver and automotive polishes; or as bulk extender. Small amounts of diatomite are used as a thermal insulator and catalyst carrier. 

• Diatomite Packaging:

Drums, multiply paper bags, bulk bags, and loose bulk. For further information on packaging options contact READE. Packaging may vary according to HAZMAT and TSCA (SARA Title III) status.

• Diatomite TSCA (SARA Title III) Status: 

1) Not Listed. For further information please call the E.P.A. at  +1.202.554.1404

2) "There is no evidence to associate any form of diatomaceous earth with human cancer.

3) The IARC concluded that evidence is inadequate to describe amorphous silica as carcinogenic in either experimental animals or humans. The IARC concluded that crystalline silica is a probable human carcinogen." Source:

• Note: The Safety Information On This Page Was Last Updated On: 25 January 2010 

• Diatomite Material Safety Data Sheet:

Please Visit This Link

• CDC International Chemical Safety Card for Uncalcined Diatomaceous Earth:

Please Visit This Link

• Diatomite Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Numbers:

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

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