 | Chinese mining firm Chuanshan will invest $40 million in exploration and mining of diatomite in Kenya's Baringo County. This will be the second such operation in the Rift Valley. Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, is the naturally occurring fossilized remains of diatoms. Diatoms are single cell aquatic algae. The properties which make diatomite valuable include low density, high porosity, high surface area, abrasiveness, insulating properties, inertness, absorptive capacity, brightness, and high silica content. Diatomite has a wide variety of uses, and is a component in hundreds of products, or vital to the manufacturing process of thousands more. |
 | The Greeks first used diatomite over 2,000 years ago in pottery and brick. Today diatomite is used for manufacturing paints, toothpaste, plastics, absorbents and many other products. |  |
 | There are many diatomite deposits throughout the world, but those of high-purity which are commercially viable are rare. Untreated, pure diatomaceous earth food grade (85%+ primarily composed of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2) is becoming known for a list of health benefits. It is non-toxic with no known side effects. |  Nicknamed the 'grass of the sea' some are calling it mother nature's best kept secret. |
