Diatomite
Rock
Also called Diatomaceous earth and Kieselguhr
Take care.
- Fragile: Handle it gently and pack it well; it breaks or crumbles easily.
About it
Very light, chalky-white rock of the microscopic silica shells of diatoms; unlike chalk it does not fizz in acid, and dry pieces may float at first. Mined at Lompoc, California, for filters and absorbents.
- Type
- Rock (sedimentary)
- Group
- Sedimentary (biochemical)
- Lustre
- earthy, dull
- Colours
- white, cream, light grey
- Transparency
- opaque
Typical values: real specimens vary. For more, see mindat.org.