Solum Diatomeae

Other names: Flint, Diatomaceous Earth, Diatomeenerde, Diatomite, Kieselgur

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Solum Diatomeae or diatomaceous earth is an industrially exploited natural mineral that has a wide range of uses. It is a sedimentary rock that consists of microscopic silica shells of algae called diatoms. Their characteristic properties give diatomaceous earth its unique properties that make it used across a variety of industries. It offers many applications - for example, in the food industry, where diatomaceous earth is used as a filtering agent in the production of alcoholic beverages, oils and sugars.

Silica, or diatomaceous earth, is also often used in agriculture. Its high absorption capacity makes it suitable for use as a fertiliser stabiliser. Silica has also been successfully used in the chemical industry for surface treatment, in the plastics industry and the manufacture of catalysts, and as a filler for paints, varnishes and mould fillers. In the cosmetics industry, diatomaceous earth is a component of certain types of toothpastes, soaps and scrubs. Equally important is its use in ecology, where it is used for water filtration and as part of remediation technologies.