Diatomite Market
Powdered mineral known as diatomite is almost entirely made of silica. This mineral is not metallic. Diatoms, a type of unicellular aquatic protist, manufacture it. Diatomite's physical properties have made it helpful in a variety of commercial applications; the most common being filtering liquids and utilizing it as a filler in paints. Diatomite is also used as a pesticide, a fine abrasive (in toothpaste and polishes), and insulation (in fire bricks). Diatomite's use in production and as a component of finished items makes it potentially useful in forensic investigations. Other raw materials containing diatoms include diatomaceous clays used in pottery production. In places with low firing temperatures
Diatoms occur in both freshwater and marine habitats when sedimentation, diatom generation, and diatom preservation combine to form diatomaceous sediments. It appears that diatomite formation was most common throughout the Miocene, Plio-Pleistocene, and early to middle Holocene epochs. Diatomite sediment's high silica content and fine-grained texture make it a popular choice for commercial uses.
Market dynamics
Driver
- One key driver is the growing demand for diatomite in the filtration industry, particularly in the beverage and food processing industries. One major consideration is Diatomite's ability to properly remove contaminants and pollutants from liquids. Diatomaceous earth is commonly used as an additive to improve the qualities of concrete, such as workability and hydration.
- Curing and increased resistance to freeze/thaw cycles. Its application in the construction industry is expanding, which is projected to boost market growth. Use in a variety of commercial applications, the most common being liquid filtration or filler in paints. Diatomite is also used as a pesticide, a fine abrasive (in toothpaste and polishes), and insulation (in fire bricks).
Restraints
- Several significant variables that could potentially limit market expansion include: Pesticides may contain trace amounts of crystalline diatomaceous earth. Prolonged exposure to the crystalline form has been linked to respiratory problems like chronic bronchitis and silicosis. Diatomaceous earth is primarily amorphous, rather than crystalline. The only relationship with the amorphous form is a mild, transient irritation of the lungs. The human-toxic filter-grade variety contains a lot of crystalline silica. The human-toxic filter-grade variety contains a lot of crystalline silica.
- Inhaled diatomaceous earth can cause irritation to the nose and nasal passages. Inhaling an excessive amount can cause coughing and dyspnea in certain people. It may cause irritation and dryness to the skin. Diatomaceous earth is abrasive and may cause eye discomfort. Any dust, including silica, might irritate the eyes.
Opportunity
- If diatomite is effectively employed to store thermal energy in buildings, it will provide new markets for the global diatomite industry. Using diatomite-based SSPCM technology to develop a new form of structural-functional integrated cement for thermal energy storage. Diatomite/carbon (DC) with better thermal conductivity was initially developed using a one-step in situ carbonizing procedure to improve the thermal conductivity of cement paste. Crude diatomite resources worldwide are adequate for the foreseeable future. Given its natural origin and environmentally benign properties, diatomite offers potential in the trend toward sustainable and eco-friendly products.
- Key Players
CECA Scotland (United Kingdom)
Celite Corp (India)
Diafil (United Kingdom)
Diatomaceous Earth Australia (Australia)
Dicalite Management Group (United States)
EP Minerals (United States)
Gnanaturals (Canada)
Guangzhou ShengTong—Salin (China)
Imerys (France)
Imerys Fused Minerals Salto (Brazil)
Jilin YUANTONG Mineral Co., ltd. (China)
Perma-Guard (United States)
Qingdao Best Friend Rubber & Plastic Co., Ltd. (China)
Shell (United Kingdom)
SILICA HOLDINGS, LLC (United States)
Market Segmentation
• By Type
o Natural
o Calcined
o Flux calcined
• By Curing
o Filler
o Filter Aids
o Agriculture
o Absorbents
o Construction Materials
Recent Industry Insight
- On May 2018, U.S. Silica Completes Acquisition of EP Minerals
- On July 2019, U.S. Silica Acquires Industrial Manufacturing Facility
- On Jul 2022, Expert Market Research Explores the Top 5 Companies in the Global Diatomite Market Producing Industrial Mineral
Key Target Audience
End User
Potential Investors
New Entrants
Innovation and R&D
Suppliers and Manufacturers
Others
Market Segmentation
• By Type
o Natural
o Calcined
o Flux calcined
• By Curing
o Filler
o Filter Aids
o Agriculture
o Absorbents
o Construction Materials