A soft, crumbly sedimentary rock composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, valued for its porous structure and many industrial uses.
From diatom + -ite (suffix denoting a mineral or rock). Named because it's literally made of fossilized diatoms compressed over millions of years.
Diatomite is one of geology's most useful materials—it filters your water, cleans your teeth in toothpaste, polishes your car, and food companies use it because it's completely safe to eat!
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