Diatomite is highly resistant to heat and this property makes it a good thermal insulator. The Greeks first used diatomite over 2,000 years ago in pottery and brick. The World Map of Diatomite Producers shows a list of the countries that have some of the largest reserves of diatomite. As shown in the map, United States leads the world in the production of diatomite with an annual production of 5.5 million metric tonnes of the mineral.
The second-largest diatomite producer in the world is China producing around 4.5 million metric tonnes of diatomite. Denmark ranks third followed by the countries of Mexico, Japan, France, Spain, Argentina, Turkey, Iceland, and Italy.
Owing to its porous nature and high surface area, diatomite is used in the clean-up of spills in the automotive, industrial, janitorial and waste remediation industries. It is also used as a reinforcing filler in plastics and rubber.
COUNTRY | PRODUCTION IN THOUSAND METRIC TONNES |
United States | 550 |
China | 450 |
Denmark | 225 |
Mexico | 120 |
Japan | 110 |
France | 75 |
Spain | 50 |
Argentina | 40 |
Turkey | 30 |
Iceland | 25 |
Italy | 25 |
Other countries | 50 |
Last updated on December 20, 2012
World Mineral Producer |