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Ocher Diatomaceous Earth Powder

Updated: 2026-07-15

Overview

Ocher diatomaceous earth powder is a naturally occurring mineral composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. The distinctive ocher color comes from iron oxide impurities. This material has been used industrially since the late 19th century due to its unique physical properties. Unlike white diatomaceous earth, the ocher variety typically contains higher amounts of clay minerals and organic matter, making it slightly less pure but often more economical for certain applications. It remains a popular choice in many industries due to its natural origin and versatile functionality.

Physical and Chemical Properties

The powder's high porosity (80-90% void space) gives it exceptional liquid absorption capacity, absorbing up to 150% of its weight in water. Its particle size typically ranges from 10 to 200 microns, with the finer grades being more effective for filtration purposes. Chemically, it consists primarily of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2), with small amounts of aluminum, iron, and calcium oxides. The material is chemically inert, non-reactive with most substances, and thermally stable up to about 900°C before beginning to transform into crystalline silica.

Main Applications

In agriculture, it serves as an effective natural insecticide, damaging the exoskeletons of pests through its abrasive action while being safe for mammals. It's also used as a soil amendment to improve water retention in sandy soils. The filtration industry utilizes its intricate pore structure for beer and wine clarification, swimming pool filters, and pharmaceutical processing. Other applications include use as a filler in paints and plastics, an absorbent for spills, and a mild abrasive in cleaning products.

Safety and Storage

While generally non-toxic, inhalation of dust can cause silicosis with prolonged exposure. Appropriate dust control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) including NIOSH-approved dust masks should be used during handling. Storage requires protection from moisture to prevent caking. The powder should be kept in sealed containers or bags in a dry warehouse environment. Bulk storage silos should have proper aeration to prevent moisture accumulation.

B2B Procurement Guide

Industrial buyers should specify required parameters including SiO2 content (typically 85-92% for standard grades), particle size distribution (measured by laser diffraction), and moisture content (preferably <5%). For filtration applications, the flow rate and filtration efficiency should be verified. Agricultural users should request data on pesticide efficacy tests. Consider transportation costs carefully as the low bulk density makes shipping expensive relative to weight.

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