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Diatomite Rock



Definition

Definition
Diatomite is a fine-grained sedimentary rock which is formed from consolidated diatomaceous earth

History

Origin
Germany

Discoverer
Unknown

Etymology
From diatom + -ite1

Class
Sedimentary Rocks

Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Soft Rock

Family

Group
-

Other Categories
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock

Texture

Texture
Clastic or Non-Clastic

Color
Grey, White, Yellow

Maintenance
Less

Durability
Non-Durable

Water Resistant
No

Scratch Resistant
No

Stain Resistant
No

Wind Resistant
No

Acid Resistant
No

Appearance
Soft

Uses

Architecture

Interior Uses
Decorative Aggregates, Homes, Interior Decoration

Exterior Uses
Garden Decoration, Paving Stone

Other Architectural Uses
Curbing

Industry

Construction Industry
As Dimension Stone, Cement Manufacture, Construction Aggregate, for Road Aggregate, Landscaping, Making natural cement, Source of calcium

Medical Industry
-

Antiquity Uses
Artifacts

Other Uses

Commercial Uses
Alumina Refineries, Animal feed filler, As a Feed Additive for Livestock, Creating Artwork, Drawing on blackboards, Fire resistant, Gymnasts, athletes and mountain climbers use for grip, In aquifers, Soil Conditioner, To ignite fire, Used as a filter medium, Used as an insecticide, Whiting material in toothpaste, paint and paper

Types

Types
Diatomite

Features
Clasts are smooth to touch, Is one of the oldest rock, Smooth to touch, Very fine grained rock

Archaeological Significance

Monuments
-

Famous Monuments
-

Sculpture
-

Famous Sculptures
-

Pictographs
-

Petroglyphs
-

Figurines
-

Fossils
Present

Formation

Formation
Diatomite rock formed from the skeletal remains of single celled plants called diatoms. When diatoms die, their skeletal remains sink to the bottom of lakes and oceans etc. hence forming diatomite deposit.

Composition

Mineral Content
Calcite, Clay, Clay Minerals, Quartz, Sand

Compound Content
Ca, NaCl, CaO

Transformation

Metamorphism
No

Types of Metamorphism
-

Weathering
Yes

Types of Weathering
Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering

Erosion
Yes

Types of Erosion
Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion

Properties

Physical Properties

Hardness
1

Grain Size
Very fine-grained

Fracture
-

Streak
White

Porosity
Highly Porous

Luster
Dull

Compressive Strength
-

Cleavage
-

Toughness
1

Specific Gravity
2.3-2.4

Transparency
Opaque

Density
2.49-2.51 g/cm3

Thermal Properties

Specific Heat Capacity
0.90 kJ/Kg K 12

Resistance
Heat Resistant

Reserves

Deposits in Eastern Continents

Asia
Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

Africa
Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Europe
England, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom

Others
-

Deposits in Western Continents

North America
Canada, USA

South America
Colombia

Deposits in Oceania Continent

Australia
Adelaide, New Zealand, Queensland, Victoria, Yorke Peninsula

Definition >>
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Sedimentary Rocks

Information about Diatomite

Rocks are naturally occurring solids which are composed of minerals & have been used by humans since ages. From Stone Age, rocks are used for various purposes. Also, the metals and minerals found in rock play an important role in our life. Get to know all the Diatomite Uses. We have provided you with all information about Diatomite rock here. Diatomite is a fine-grained sedimentary rock which is formed from consolidated diatomaceous earth. Diatomite is available in grey, white, yellow colors. The streak of a rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Diatomite is white. Get to know more about Diatomite rock and characteristics of Diatomite rock in the next sections.

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