diatomite
Siliceous sedimentary rock
Diatomite is a soft, chalky sedite rock composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms—microscopic algae with silica shells.
Also called diatomaceous earth.
Its porous, abrasive texture makes it useful as a filter medium, mild abrasive, absorbent, and insecticide.
Pool filters often use diatomite to trap fine particles.
Formed from deposited material
- silicaSilicon dioxide compound
- microfossilsMinute preserved organism remains
- biogenicProduced by organisms
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
strata · deposits · Cretaceous · Miocene · marine · chalky · friable · stratified
Moisture-absorbing material
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
- spill cleanupRemoving accidentally shed liquid
- cat litterAbsorbent box material
moisture control · granular · hygroscopic · hazmat · carrier
Thermal transfer prevention
- fillerSubstance closing gaps
- refractoryResistant to heat/control
- thermalPertaining to warmth
- fireproofUnable to ignite
lightweight · construction · plaster · soundproofing · building material · ceramic · dynamite · stabilizer
Silica from fossilized microorganisms
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
- non-toxicCauses no harm
- desiccatingRemoving all moisture
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
bed bugs · fleas · ants · grain storage · food-grade · natural pesticide
Substance improving dirt quality
- hydroponicsPlant cultivation in nutrient water
- potting mixSoilless blend for containers
- aerationInfusing with oxygen
- drainageLiquid removal system
moisture retention · bonsai · seed starting · vermiculite · container gardening
Smoothing by friction
- toothpasteOral cleaning gel
- silver polishCleaning compound for metalware
- scouringVigorous abrasive cleaning
- buffingFriction-based shine work
metal polish · facial scrub · exfoliant · fine grit · car polish
Making meaning plain
- brewingBeverage preparation process
- winemakingCrafting fermented grape beverages
- beer productionCreating fermented malt beverages
- swimming poolsArtificial basins for aquatics
water treatment · separation · particulates · filtrate · microporous · beverage · purification · pharmaceutical
sedimentary
Formed from deposited material
- silicaSilicon dioxide compound
- microfossilsMinute preserved organism remains
- biogenicProduced by organisms
sedimentation · strata · deposits · Cretaceous · Miocene · marine · chalky · friable · stratified · outcrop
desiccant
Moisture-absorbing material
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
- spill cleanupRemoving accidentally shed liquid
cat litter · moisture control · granular · hygroscopic · hazmat · carrier
insulation
Thermal transfer prevention
- fillerSubstance closing gaps
- refractoryResistant to heat/control
- thermalPertaining to warmth
fireproof · lightweight · construction · plaster · soundproofing · building material · ceramic · dynamite · stabilizer · carrier
diatomaceous earth
Silica from fossilized microorganisms
- insecticideToxic agent targeting pests
- non-toxicCauses no harm
- desiccatingRemoving all moisture
exoskeleton · bed bugs · fleas · ants · grain storage · food-grade · natural pesticide
soil amendment
Substance improving dirt quality
- hydroponicsPlant cultivation in nutrient water
- potting mixSoilless blend for containers
- aerationInfusing with oxygen
drainage · moisture retention · bonsai · seed starting · vermiculite · container gardening
polishing
Smoothing by friction
- toothpasteOral cleaning gel
- silver polishCleaning compound for metalware
- scouringVigorous abrasive cleaning
metal polish · buffing · facial scrub · exfoliant · fine grit · car polish
clarification
Making meaning plain
- brewingBeverage preparation process
- winemakingCrafting fermented grape beverages
- beer productionCreating fermented malt beverages
swimming pools · water treatment · separation · particulates · filtrate · microporous · beverage · purification · pharmaceutical · sugar refining
diatomitechalk
Soft sedimentary writing stone
limestone · calcite · calcium carbite · marl · marble
diatomitegranite
Igneous rock, quartz-rich
basalt · obsidian · igneous rock · volcanic glass · metamorphic rock