What is a diatomite in geology ?
Diatomite : definition
Diatomite is a clear and porous sedimentary rock, formed by the accumulation of siliceous shells of unicellular algaen : diatomea (photo on the right - © Larousse). These algae live in warm waters, often in a volcanic environment. They can harbor insect and plant fossils.
Diatomite is used as an abrasive, as an absorbent or as an inert material to stabilize dynamite. It is also a rock widely used in cinema because of its very low specific gravity (0.2 to 0.3). The names of tripoli, kieselguhr or "fossil flour" also designate diatomite.
Diatomite is used as an abrasive, as an absorbent or as an inert material to stabilize dynamite. It is also a rock widely used in cinema because of its very low specific gravity (0.2 to 0.3). The names of tripoli, kieselguhr or "fossil flour" also designate diatomite.