Diatomite, or diatomaceous earth, is a type of naturally occurring sedimentary rock. This soft rock has a wide array of special qualities that set it apart from other natural rocks and minerals. It offers insulating and absorptive properties, high porosity, high silica content and plenty of other qualities that have led to diatomite having been extracted and used across various industries since the 19th century.

Personal care products
Due to diatomite’s abrasive nature, it has become a popular ingredient of various personal care products. Its most basic and traditional purpose was as one of ingredients of toothpastes and facial scrubs. Diatomaceous earth, included in those products, can easily help exfoliate our skin or reduce plaque build-up. It is also added to certain deodorants as a natural odour blocker that is especially suitable for sensitive skin.

Diatomite as a dietary supplement
Diatomaceous earth is also present in some dietary supplements. Purified, food-grade diatomite is considered safe for both humans and animals. Thanks to its high silica content, it can be used for treating high cholesterol levels and digestion issues. There are scientific claims that food-grade diatomaceous earth can aid body detoxification by removing toxins and heavy metals from the digestive system however, this effect has not been officially approved by institutions like the American FDA due to still ongoing research and lack of sufficient evidence at this moment in time.

Filtration
High porosity, small particle size and a crystalline structure give diatomite high filtration capability and numerous practical uses. It has been proven to be an excellent filtration medium for swimming pools. In the filtration process, is it able to capture far smaller particles than other commonly used sand- or cartridge-based filters. Diatomite’s filtration uses are almost unlimited. It can help in the process of cleaning drinking water, or ensure cleaner water in fish tanks. It is capable of filtering liquids without altering their colour, taste or any nutritional properties, therefore, it is becoming an increasingly popular natural filter for beer, wine, syrups and honey. Among some of the oldest and most innovative uses was the Berkefeld filter designed in Germany during the cholera epidemic in 1892. Wilhelm Berkefeld was a supplier of diatomite to Albert Nobel who utilized it for dynamite production. At some point, Berkefeld noticed that the rock he supplied had germicidal qualities. He constructed the Berkefeld filter which turned out to be especially successful at the time as it produced water free of the epidemic-causing bacteria.