Question

How is diatomaceous earth formed?

Answer 1

Diatomaceous earth is made from the tiny remains of aquatic organisms specially organisms which contain silica in them. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica. Over a long period of time, diatoms accumulated in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes and oceans. Today, silica deposits are mined from these areas.

Complete Explanation:
As we knew, they are remains of fossilized particles from organisms, apart from that diatomaceous or diatomite is a naturally occurring soft sedimentary rock that has been crushed into fine white powder.
It is widely used in variety of purposes like as a filtration aid, mild abrasive in products like- metal polishes toothpaste, insecticide, absorbent for liquids, matting agent for coatings, reinforcing filler in plastics and rubber, anti-block in plastic films, activator in blood-clotting studies.
Composition of diatomaceous earth is different, with varying blends of pure diatomaceous earth combined with other natural clays and minerals. Each deposit has a distinct amount of silica in the diatoms. The species of diatoms may also differ and they are dependent upon the age of the paleoenvironment of the deposit. Example- red lake earth is from Miocene epoch.
Diatomite forms by the deposition and accumulation of the amorphous silica remains of dead diatoms that is microscopic single-celled algae in marine sediments. Marine diatomite can be found in a range of rock types, however lacustrine diatomite is always found in conjunction with volcanic rock.
They are able to extract silica from water that is less than one percent in amorphous silica. Granulated diatomaceous earth is a raw material that has been crushed to make it easier to package.
Diatomaceous earth is used as a source of silica, for treating high cholesterol levels, for treating constipation and improving the health of skin, nails and teeth and bones and hair. When it is used in toothpaste to brush teeth it can remove unwanted dead skin cells too.

Note:
As we discussed about diatomaceous earth despite being useful and having been used in different forms, it contains some harmful effects too, one should be aware while working with this material. As diatoms are crushed into powder while during this process it might get inhaled and can cause irritation to lungs much like inhalation of dust. But as it contains silica it can be more harmful. Inhaling silica can cause inflammation and scarring of your lungs known as silicosis.