Diatomite
A rock classification type
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About Diatomite
As a Commodity:
A naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from more than 3 μm to less than 1 mm, but typically 10 to 200 μm. Depending on the granularity, this powder can have an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and has a low density as a result of its high porosity.
Diatomaceous earth is the commercial term applied to unconsolidated or crushed diatomite. It is mined and used as a filtering agent among other uses.
A siliceous-rock composed predominantly of diatoms and with porosity greater than 50%.
Diatomaceous earth is the commercial term applied to unconsolidated or crushed diatomite. It is mined and used as a filtering agent among other uses.
A siliceous-rock composed predominantly of diatoms and with porosity greater than 50%.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
31314
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:31314:0
Similar Names
Classification of Diatomite
Mineralogy of Diatomite
Essential minerals - these are minerals that are required within the classification of this rock:
Non-essential minerals - these minerals are common, sometimes major components, but are not always present:
Pronunciation of Diatomite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Age distribution
Recorded ages:
Pleistocene : 0.14 Ma to 0.13 Ma - based on 5 recorded ages.
Other Language Names for Diatomite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Diatomite associated with 'Amber' | |
| 2 photos of Diatomite associated with Vivianite | Fe2+Fe2+2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 2 photos of Diatomite associated with 'Breccia' | |
| 1 photo of Diatomite associated with Pinnixa galliheri | |
| 1 photo of Diatomite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Diatomite associated with Opal | SiO2 · nH2O |
Internet Links for Diatomite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-31314.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
References for Diatomite
Reference List:
Dicalite Quarry, Shasta County, California, USA