The Greek diatomaceous earth is extracted from selected areas in Thessaly and is a natural mixture of diatoms and clays in a ratio of approximately 50%-50%. It is an absolutely natural product, non-toxic, non-corrosive, resistant to acids, and completely harmless, with the majority consisting of amorphous silica dioxide.

It is similar in terms of geological conditions and composition to Danish diatomaceous earth, which is globally known (moller) for its multiple uses in industry, agriculture, and animal husbandry due to its high absorbency (extracted from the islands of Fur, Mors, and Nordsalling in Denmark). Diatomaceous earth is a sedimentary mineral composed of the accumulation of fossilized diatoms usually mixed with clays in various concentrations.

As a rock, it consists mostly of silica dioxide with clay additives. The products derived from it are 100% natural.

It has high porosity, low density, inherent stability (chemical and thermal), and does not contain residues of foreign substances other than clays. The raw material undergoes a series of processes: drying, grinding, and air classification, so that the final product consists mainly of silica dioxide and clay additives, and is practically inert, with the final product being a white powder.

The structure of diatomaceous earth is what gives it its valuable properties. It has a large surface area development, high porosity, absorbent, and thermo-acoustic insulation properties.

The criterion for absorbency is the surface area development of the particles, which is 53.4 m2. It is slightly larger than Danish diatomaceous earth, which is about 50m2 according to the analysis of the National Center for Technology and Development (EKETA).

What are diatoms?

Diatoms are single-celled aquatic algae of the family Bacillariophyceae, which produce a hard and porous cell wall or external layer composed of silica dioxide called "frustule," resembling microscopic gemstones.

They appeared during the Jurassic period (185 million years ago). Their name is derived from their ability to multiply by division. Diatomaceous earth is based on the extraction of amorphous silica dioxide from water to build a strong wall of symmetrical pores. Dead diatoms sink in water, accumulate, and form large deposits known as diatomaceous earth.

Applications

Diatomaceous earth in agriculture

Greek diatomaceous earth is used as a 100% natural insecticide for crawling insects and mites. Its mode of action is mechanical. It easily adheres to the bodies of insects and mites as they walk, tearing their waxy coating with its glass-like structure. This results in the absorption of their fluids, leading to dehydration and eventual death. The important thing is that insects do not develop any immunity. This is because its action is not due to any chemical substance or chemical reaction. It is a 100% natural product and is suitable and safe for spraying in agriculture, both in organic and conventional farming.
Dosage: 3 to 4% in relation to water.

It is sprayed preventively and after infestation as an insecticide.

Diatomite in the environment

Absorbent for all kinds of liquids, waste.

For the safe removal of all kinds of liquid waste with simultaneous drying. The mixture of diatomite and clays has been globally tested for their high absorbency (e.g. Moller in Denmark).

Diatomite in animal husbandry

As bedding material in livestock units

It absorbs odors and moisture, maintaining a healthy environment. Also, for mixing with animal waste and their hygienic removal.

Additional material in animal feed

As a carrier with absorption of fats, molasses, vitamins, liquid additives, etc. It is particularly useful where the environment is acidic and marble dust cannot be used.

In animal feed silos

To avoid clumping. Clay-rich diatomites are completely natural products mined in certain areas of the world (such as the Fur, Mors, and Nordsalling islands in Denmark). They have proven their usefulness when added to animal feed, improving the function of their gastrointestinal system.

Quality characteristics of Greek clay-rich diatomite

Greek clay-rich diatomite comes from a private quarry owned by the company OLYMPOS. The clay-rich diatomites in this area consist of shells of discoid and cylindrical diatoms composed of amorphous SiO2 (Opal-A) and clays of the Smectite and Illite groups. Diatomite to clay ratio: ~60/40.

Particular emphasis is placed on the large surface development of its particles (53.4m2/g - CERTH), making it comparable to the globally known Danish clay-rich diatomite (Moler) for its applications. Qualitatively, the material is suitable for both thermal and acoustic insulation structural elements, lightweight aggregate (LWA), and industrial absorbents. This has been confirmed by research on a semi-industrial scale.

Further research has demonstrated the potential applications of the ultrafine product -20 microns as an insecticide for crawling insects in grain silos and for foliar sprays. It is also used as an ingredient in agricultural soil improvers and as a source of absorbable amorphous pyrite dioxide.