Diatomite is sediment (sedimentary rock) that forms from fossil frustule which is a kind of algae.
It is said that algae is one of first protists after Earth's formation and produced oxygen by photosynthesis, generated ozone and helped the birth of animals and plants, starting with mankind. There are fifty thousand genera of algae in the earth and it's always floating in air and propagates under suitable condition. That's why algae grow in a pond and a water tank naturally.
Frustule consists of silicon dioxide（SiO2）which is main ingredients of diatomite.
When a large amount of diatom is died in the ocean, lakes or swamps, the remains have settled at the bottom. Then, the organic matter in that has been resolved gradually and only frustules which consist primarily of silicon dioxide would be left. And the rock consisting of fossil frustules which has been created through the process is diatomite.
Diatomite is a fossilized phytoplankton (algae). It has been used as fireproof for Shichirin (earthen charcoal brazier), stove and the raw materials of fire-insulating brick for a long time.
In ancient Greece, it was used for abrasive and light brick as floating clay. In Istanbul, Turkey, there is Hagia Sophia which was built with diatomite in six century.
In Japan, as eatable clay, it was used for interior wall materials of Kumamoto castle in preparation for holding the castle. Also, it has been traditionally used for under coating of Wajima shikki (lacquered ware) since Edo period.
Dr. Nobel's invention, dynamite is raised as an opportunity of utilizing for industrially. In 1866, absorption and retaining of nitroglycerine into diatomite powder made it possible to handle it as a solid in safety.
And now, it is used as a filtering material for beer and any alcohol.
It is said that algae is one of first protists after Earth's formation and produced oxygen by photosynthesis, generated ozone and helped the birth of animals and plants, starting with mankind. There are fifty thousand genera of algae in the earth and it's always floating in air and propagates under suitable condition. That's why algae grow in a pond and a water tank naturally.
Frustule consists of silicon dioxide（SiO2）which is main ingredients of diatomite.
When a large amount of diatom is died in the ocean, lakes or swamps, the remains have settled at the bottom. Then, the organic matter in that has been resolved gradually and only frustules which consist primarily of silicon dioxide would be left. And the rock consisting of fossil frustules which has been created through the process is diatomite.
Diatomite is very familiar
Diatomite is a fossilized phytoplankton (algae). It has been used as fireproof for Shichirin (earthen charcoal brazier), stove and the raw materials of fire-insulating brick for a long time.In ancient Greece, it was used for abrasive and light brick as floating clay. In Istanbul, Turkey, there is Hagia Sophia which was built with diatomite in six century.
In Japan, as eatable clay, it was used for interior wall materials of Kumamoto castle in preparation for holding the castle. Also, it has been traditionally used for under coating of Wajima shikki (lacquered ware) since Edo period.
Dr. Nobel's invention, dynamite is raised as an opportunity of utilizing for industrially. In 1866, absorption and retaining of nitroglycerine into diatomite powder made it possible to handle it as a solid in safety.And now, it is used as a filtering material for beer and any alcohol.
The difference from mortar
Mortar mainly consists of calcium and it was written as "lime" originally.
Since it is good for waterproof and humidity control, it has been used as finishing coat for both interior and exterior earthen wall of storehouse or house from ancient times.
Japanese-made mortar is produced as: put fiber of hemp or straw into lime, add glue consisting of herb or seaweed and water, and then knead the mixture.
Both diatomite and mortar are excellent plastering materials from ancient times in Japan, however, if any chemical substances were included in glue of mortar or solidification material of diatomite, it would not work promptly.
About difference between diatomite and mortar is as below.
The selling point of diatomite is porosity and it is good for humidity control and deodorization.
The raw material of mortar, slaked lime itself is little inferior in moisture-absorbing/releasing properties to diatomite, although mortar works as humidity control, too.
But mortar consists of alkali so it has good feature in preventing mold.
In addition, while diatomite can't set in itself and requires solidification materials for setting, mortar can do itself.
Each of them has advantages and disadvantages and we need to choose it for the purpose.
EM Diatomite is an interior wall material that takes merit both of diatomite and mortar and has high moisture-absorbing/releasing properties and prevents mold by containing a high percentage of pure Wakkanai Siliceous shale and using high quality slaked lime.
Next, we will show you marvelous main effects of EM Diatomite.
Since it is good for waterproof and humidity control, it has been used as finishing coat for both interior and exterior earthen wall of storehouse or house from ancient times.
Japanese-made mortar is produced as: put fiber of hemp or straw into lime, add glue consisting of herb or seaweed and water, and then knead the mixture.
Both diatomite and mortar are excellent plastering materials from ancient times in Japan, however, if any chemical substances were included in glue of mortar or solidification material of diatomite, it would not work promptly.
About difference between diatomite and mortar is as below.
The selling point of diatomite is porosity and it is good for humidity control and deodorization.
The raw material of mortar, slaked lime itself is little inferior in moisture-absorbing/releasing properties to diatomite, although mortar works as humidity control, too.
But mortar consists of alkali so it has good feature in preventing mold.
In addition, while diatomite can't set in itself and requires solidification materials for setting, mortar can do itself.
Each of them has advantages and disadvantages and we need to choose it for the purpose.
| Advantage | Disadvantage | |
| Diatomite | High moisture-absorbing/releasing properties | can't set in itself |
| Mortar | Preventing mold by alkali | Lower moisture-absorbing/releasing properties than diatomite |
EM Diatomite is an interior wall material that takes merit both of diatomite and mortar and has high moisture-absorbing/releasing properties and prevents mold by containing a high percentage of pure Wakkanai Siliceous shale and using high quality slaked lime.
Next, we will show you marvelous main effects of EM Diatomite.