What are diatomites?

Diatomites are produced from what are known as diatoms. Diatoms are single-celled brown algae whose cell membrane has the property of binding the silica present in water.

Diatoms form a kind of "armour", also called "frustules", consisting of hydrated amorphous silica (similar to opal). The silica armour has various types, shapes and sizes that can vary between 5 and 40 microns. When the organism has died, only the unchanged silica armour is left behind. This is deposited in particular sea beds or lakes to a varying depth depending on the silica content in the water.

After fossilisation, these deposits yield a light-weight, strong porous earth, diatomite. This can now be extracted in mines.

We shall be glad to advise you in the choice of a diatomite to match your needs. Please contact us. We look forward to your enquiry.

Who uses diatomites and where do they come from?

The CECA S.A. Company, Paris, produces a full range of filter aids that are used in solid-liquid separation processes.

In this respect the clientele ranges from swimming baths/pools through wine-making, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and intermediates for the foodstuffs sectors, all the way to the metallurgical trades.