Filtration
Its microscopic porous structure can retain fine suspended particles in water, beverages, syrups and industrial liquids.
NATURAL MINERAL · POROUS SILICA · MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
Diatomaceous earth & diatomite
A lightweight, naturally occurring siliceous mineral formed from fossilised diatoms—valued for porosity, absorption, filtration and versatile industrial performance.
MATERIAL FOUNDATION
Natural structure. Microscopic performance.
Diatomite is a soft sedimentary rock composed largely of the silica-rich shells of diatoms—single-celled algae found in fresh, brackish and marine waters. Long-term deposition creates a lightweight, porous mineral with high surface area.
Typical reference composition is approximately 80–90% silica, 2–4% alumina and 0.5–2% iron oxide. Actual chemistry varies with deposit, grade and processing route.
80–90%Typical silica
10–200 µmCommon particle range
Light + porousHigh surface area and absorption
pHDeposit- and grade-dependent
DEPOSIT & ANALYTICAL EVIDENCE
Read the deposit through geology and laboratory data.
The images present an indicative deposit profile and laboratory results for a Lampang diatomite sample, supporting evaluation of chemistry, mineral phases and variation between deposit layers.
Note: These results describe a specific sample and sampling location; they are not universal specifications for all diatomite. Commercial qualification should include a sampling plan, documented test methods, detection limits and lot-by-lot verification.
GEOLOGY & FORMATION
From single-cell life to mineral resource.
Amorphous silica, or opal (SiO₂·nH₂O), from diatom cell walls accumulates in lake and marine basins. Preserved frustules create an extensive network of microscopic voids.
Many deposits are associated with Tertiary-to-Quaternary formations; some occur with volcanic ash. Each source therefore requires evaluation for chemistry, porosity, moisture, particle size and impurities.
APPLICATIONS
One mineral. Many application pathways.
Grade selection and qualification should follow the intended use, product specification and applicable industry requirements.
Cement additive
Silica-rich diatomite can be blended into cement raw materials to adjust silica content.
Absorbent
Low density, high surface area and porosity support liquid-spill control, moisture management and selected absorbent products.
Functional filler
A lightweight inert filler for selected paints, plastics, rubber, paper, ceramics, soaps and related manufactured products.
Mild abrasive
Fine silica particles can support controlled polishing applications such as metal polish and selected personal-care formulations.
Growing media & soil
Porosity helps retain water and nutrients while supporting aeration and drainage in horticultural growing media.
Insect & slug control
Dry diatomaceous earth is used in some physical pest-control applications; performance depends on grade, dryness and correct use.
Agriculture & anti-caking
It can serve as a carrier, anti-caking aid or moisture-management material in suitable agricultural formulations.
Thermal insulation
Its low thermal conductivity supports selected fire-resistant, insulation, acoustic and lightweight building products.
Feed & process applications
Suitable grades may be used as carriers, flow aids or functional mineral components subject to specification and regulatory review.
Research marker
Natural, non-calcined material is used in some nutrition studies as a source of acid-insoluble ash for digestibility measurement.
RESPONSIBLE GRADE SELECTION
Verify performance and safety before use.
Natural, calcined and flux-calcined diatomite have different properties and should not be substituted without qualification—especially for food, feed, agriculture, cosmetics or worker-exposure applications.
- Confirm chemistry and crystalline silica
- Specify particle size and moisture
- Follow the SDS and appropriate dust controls
- Review regulations for the destination market
SIAM FARM SERVICES · MINERAL APPLICATIONS