In purified form, diatomaceous earth is used for powders and as an abrasive agent in peeling formulations. If improperly formulated, it may be too abrasive as a peeling agent. Diatomaceous earth is a fine-grain, almost white powder consisting mostly of amorphous silicic that is obtained by crushing the silicic acid structures of mono-cellular sea algae.
Diatomaceous earth may be used as an adsorbent for column chromatography.
Kieselguhr heated in a rotary furnace to 600.degree.C (1112.degree.F) at which temperature the water evaporates and the iron becomes oxidized. Consists mostly of oxides of aluminum, iron and silicon.
Celite 512 medium is a filter aid derived from diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is made up of natural amorphous silica formed from the fossilized skeletons of diatoms. It is extracted, crushed, dried and calcined with flux material. DE is widely used as filler in construction materials, paints and as an anti-caking agent for agricultural chemicals. It has high water and oil absorption ability.
