Description

Diatomite or diatomaceous earth — also known as DE, TSS, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur — is a siliceous sedimentary rock formed by micro-fossils of diatoms, which are unicellular marine algae with a siliceous skeleton called a frustule.

This material serves as a filtration medium; its particle size is ideal for water filtration.

It was also used to stabilise nitroglycerine and form dynamite with it.

Other applications as an abrasive agent include: metal polishing, in toothpastes and in exfoliating creams.

It also serves as a natural non-poisonous pesticide, especially in organic farming: the ingestion of silica particles causes lesions in the digestive tract; fixation on the body of insects also causes lesions that lead to their death by dehydration.