During each diatom’s lifetime, an opalescent lattice-work of pores, rather like a honeycomb was formed within the plant’s cell wall. This intricate structure absorbed silica from the water in which it lived. One of the ultimate sources of silica was volcanic ash from eruptions which partially dissolved after falling into the water. Hence Diatomaceous Earth is an opalescent major mineral consisting primarily of the element silicon dioxide (sometimes called silica) and about 14 trace minerals.

During its lifetime, the diatom’s lattice structure was covered in a jelly secreted by the algae which contained cells for the purpose of photosynthesis. While providing up to 80 percent of our oxygen, these diatoms fed all kinds of aquatic creatures up and down the food chain. Protozoa, small fish, seals and whales all grazed on the pastures of algae diatoms, rich in soluble minerals, proteins and vitamins, which is why algae or plankton diatoms have been affectionately called the meadow grass of the sea.

The diatomite rock was pushed up towards the earth’s surface of the bottom of the ocean or lake by continental shifts, volcanic pressure, and seismic activity which caused oceans that once cover land to recede, and lakes that once existed  to vanish leaving vast resources of soft rich diatomaceous sediment. Hence, the name Diatomaceous Earth is derived. Other names that have historically been applied to Diatomaceous Earth include diatomite, tripolite, infusorial earth, and kieselghur. Diatomite appears on the ground as a bright white to off-white soft rock that resembles an undulating landscape of snow that can expand across hundreds of acres in area. If you kicked at a mound of the soft rock, dust would fly up. Or if you wiped your hands over the surface they would be covered with a fine layer of whitish powder.