1 Definition
1.1 Definition
Diatomite is a fine-grained sedimentary rock which is formed from consolidated diatomaceous earth
1.2 History
1.2.1 Origin
Germany
1.2.2 Discoverer
Unknown
1.3 Etymology
From diatom + -ite1
1.4 Class
Sedimentary Rocks
1.4.1 Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Soft Rock
1.5 Family
1.5.1 Group
Not Applicable
1.6 Other Categories
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
2 Texture
2.1 Texture
Clastic or Non-Clastic
2.2 Color
Grey, White, Yellow
2.3 Maintenance
Less
2.4 Durability
Non-Durable
2.4.1 Water Resistant
✔
✘
59% - Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.4.2 Scratch Resistant
✔
✘
62% - Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.4.3 Stain Resistant
✔
✘
43% - Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.4.4 Wind Resistant
✔
✘
38% - Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.4.5 Acid Resistant
✔
✘
22% - Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
2.5 Appearance
Soft
3 Uses
3.1 Architecture
3.1.1 Interior Uses
Decorative Aggregates, Homes, Interior Decoration
3.1.2 Exterior Uses
Garden Decoration, Paving Stone
3.1.3 Other Architectural Uses
Curbing
3.2 Industry
3.2.1 Construction Industry
As Dimension Stone, Cement Manufacture, Construction Aggregate, for Road Aggregate, Landscaping, Making natural cement, Source of calcium
3.2.2 Medical Industry
Not Yet Used
3.3 Antiquity Uses
Artifacts
3.4 Other Uses
3.4.1 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
4 Types
4.1 Types
Not Available
4.2 Features
Clasts are smooth to touch, Is one of the oldest rock, Smooth to touch, Very fine grained rock
4.3 Archaeological Significance
4.3.1 Monuments
Not Yet Used
4.3.2 Famous Monuments
Not Applicable
4.3.3 Sculpture
Not Yet Used
4.3.4 Famous Sculptures
Not Applicable
4.3.5 Pictographs
Used
4.3.6 Petroglyphs
Used
4.3.7 Figurines
Not Yet Used
4.4 Fossils
Present
5 Formation
5.1 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.
5.2 Composition
5.2.1 Mineral Content
Calcite, Clay, Clay Minerals, Quartz, Sand
5.2.2 Compound Content
Ca, NaCl, CaO
5.3 Transformation
5.3.1 Metamorphism
✔
✘
19% - Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
5.3.2 Types of Metamorphism
Not Applicable
5.3.3 Weathering
✔
✘
78% - Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
5.3.4 Types of Weathering
Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering
5.3.5 Erosion
✔
✘
86% - Sedimentary Rocks Rocks have it !
▶
5.3.6 Types of Erosion
Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Wind Erosion
6 Properties
6.1 Physical Properties
6.1.1 Hardness
6.1.2 Grain Size
Very fine-grained
6.1.3 Fracture
Not Available
6.1.4 Streak
White
6.1.5 Porosity
Highly Porous
6.1.6 Luster
Dull
6.1.7 Compressive Strength
Not Available
Rank: N/A (Overall) ▶
0.15
450
6.1.8 Cleavage
Non-Existent
6.1.9 Toughness
1
6.1.10 Specific Gravity
6.1.11 Transparency
Opaque
6.1.12 Density
6.2 Thermal Properties
6.2.1 Specific Heat Capacity
0.90 kJ/Kg K
Rank: 12 (Overall) ▶
0.14
3.2
6.2.2 Resistance
Heat Resistant
7 Reserves
7.1 Deposits in Eastern Continents
7.1.1 Asia
Brunei, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
7.1.2 Africa
Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Zambia, Zimbabwe
7.1.3 Europe
England, France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom
7.1.4 Others
Not Yet Found
7.2 Deposits in Western Continents
7.2.1 North America
Canada, USA
7.2.2 South America
Colombia
7.3 Deposits in Oceania Continent
7.3.1 Australia
Adelaide, New Zealand, Queensland, Tonga, Victoria, Yorke Peninsula