Frequently Asked Questions

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) — also called Diatomite or Kieselguhr — is a naturally occurring sedimentary mineral formed from the fossilised remains of microscopic siliceous algae called diatoms. Over millions of years, diatoms settled on lake and ocean floors, their intricate silica-based shells (called frustules) accumulating into thick deposits. BSiO₂ mines and processes this mineral in Far North Queensland.

DE has been used by civilisations for thousands of years — archaeologists have found it in the Great Pyramids of Egypt, used as a construction and preservation material. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian civilisations used DE to preserve food, while the Greeks employed it for making bricks and as an abrasive.

Biogenic Amorphous Silica (BASiO₂) is the scientific name for the type of silica found in diatomaceous earth. "Biogenic" means it was formed by living organisms — in this case, diatom algae. "Amorphous" means its molecular structure is non-crystalline and disordered — which is fundamentally different from the rigid, angular structure of crystalline silica.

This non-crystalline structure is why amorphous silica is safe while crystalline silica is hazardous. BSiO₂ Pty Ltd takes its name from this compound — Biogenic Silicon Dioxide (BSiO₂).

This is the most important question, and the answer depends entirely on which form of silica you are referring to. There are two very different forms:

CRYSTALLINE SILICA (the hazardous form) — found in concrete dust, sandstone, some mining operations. This is the form linked to silicosis and lung disease. Its rigid, angular molecular structure causes mechanical damage when inhaled into the lungs over time.

AMORPHOUS SILICA (BSiO₂ product) — the form found in diatomaceous earth. This is a fundamentally different molecular structure — non-crystalline, porous, and chemically inert. It has an outstanding safety record when used appropriately.

Our product has been independently certified by Simtars Analytical Services to contain less than 0.5% respirable crystalline silica — below the limit of reporting. This means the particles small enough to reach deep lung tissue contain essentially no crystalline silica. The product does not trigger Australian WHS mandatory crystalline silica control plan requirements.

Calcining means heating a material to very high temperatures — typically above 1,000°C. When diatomaceous earth is calcined (heat-treated), the amorphous silica it contains is converted into crystalline silica — the dangerous form. Some DE products sold for pool filtration are calcined, and can contain up to 70% crystalline silica as a result of this process.

BSiO₂ product is NEVER calcined. It goes from our deposit through crushing and screening only — no heat treatment. This means:
• The safe amorphous structure is preserved throughout
• No conversion to crystalline silica occurs
• The product retains its natural non-hazardous profile
• The product qualifies as genuinely "natural" for clean label and food grade purposes

When evaluating any DE or silicon dioxide product, always ask: is it calcined? The answer makes an enormous difference to the safety profile.

The differences are fundamental — at the molecular level, in their formation, in their properties, and in their health effects:

MOLECULAR STRUCTURE: Crystalline silica has a regular, repeating, ordered atomic arrangement (like a crystal). Amorphous silica has a random, disordered arrangement — no crystalline structure.

FORMATION: Crystalline silica (quartz, cristobalite) forms in rock. Amorphous silica in DE forms biologically — from diatom organisms over millions of years.

HEALTH EFFECTS: Crystalline silica, when inhaled in respirable form, causes mechanical damage to lung tissue over time (silicosis). Amorphous silica does not have the same mechanism of harm — it is classified by IARC as Group 3 (not classifiable as a carcinogen), compared to crystalline silica which is Group 1.

REGULATORY STATUS: BSiO₂ amorphous silica is confirmed at <0.5% respirable quartz (below limit of reporting). The product does not meet the threshold for classification as a hazardous substance under Australian WHS regulations.

This is one of the most scientifically interesting properties of food grade DE. Amorphous silica enhances bioavailability through several mechanisms:

1. GUT WALL INTEGRITY: Orthosilicic acid (the bioavailable form of silicon released from DE in the digestive tract) is essential for the structural integrity of the intestinal mucosa. A healthy gut wall absorbs all nutrients more efficiently.

2. CARRIER MATRIX: BSiO₂ has a specific surface area of 494.4 m²/kg (confirmed by HRL Technology). Other compounds physically bind to DE particles and are carried deeper into the digestive tract before being released — extending contact time with absorptive surfaces.

3. PREBIOTIC EFFECT: DE supports beneficial gut bacteria populations. Many plant compounds are metabolised by gut bacteria into their most active forms — a healthier microbiome means better conversion and absorption.

4. DETOXIFICATION: DE binds to heavy metals and toxins in the gut before they are absorbed — clearing interference that would otherwise compete with nutrients.

This is why DE taken alongside a herbal or nutritional protocol can enhance the effectiveness of everything else.

BSiO₂ Pty Ltd supplies four standard grades in 1 tonne FIBC (bulka bag) for wholesale buyers:

4–8 mm (Industrial Grade): Spill kit coarse absorbent, drainage aggregate, ANFO explosive anti-caking, civil fill. For safety equipment suppliers, mining procurement, civil contractors.

2–4 mm (Industrial / Agricultural): Spill kits, grain storage protection, soil drainage layer, livestock bedding, farm pest control. For rural wholesalers, safety distributors, farmers.

Minus 2 mm (Agricultural / Food): Grain silo protectant (APVMA registered natural grain protectant category), poultry and livestock feed additive, natural pest control. For grain handlers, stock feed manufacturers, rural co-ops.

400 Micron (Food / Industrial): Health supplement base ingredient, kitty litter ingredient, green concrete supplementary cementitious material, food grade flow agent. For supplement brands, pet manufacturers, food processors.

Diatomaceous earth works purely by mechanical action — not chemical toxicity. DE particles have microscopic sharp edges that abrade the protective waxy coating on insect exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.

This mechanical mode of action means:
• Insects cannot develop resistance (no chemical to become immune to)
• No withholding period required for agricultural applications
• No chemical residues in grain, feed, or food products
• Safe around beneficial insects when applied correctly (avoid flowers and pollinator areas)

DE is registered as a natural insecticide in many countries including Australia (APVMA registered grain protectant category). It is effective against grain weevils, beetles, moths, mites, lice, fleas, and many other pests. Apply at 1–2 kg per tonne of grain for storage protection.

Yes — food grade (non-calcined) diatomaceous earth has a long history of safe use in animal health applications. The US FDA classifies food grade diatomaceous earth as "Generally Recognised as Safe" (GRAS). APVMA has registered DE-based products for agricultural use in Australia.

BSiO₂ is used for: Poultry (red mite and litter beetle control; feed additive for gut health); Cattle (feed-through fly control; feedlot pest management); Dairy (natural fly and mite control without chemical residues affecting milk quality); Horses (gut health support); Pets (natural flea and pest control in bedding).

Always use food grade (non-calcined) DE for animal applications — pool/filter grade DE (which is calcined and may contain high crystalline silica) should never be used on or near animals.

Green concrete refers to concrete formulations that reduce the carbon footprint of construction by partially replacing Portland cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Portland cement production alone releases approximately 6 billion tonnes of CO₂ annually.

DE acts as a pozzolan — a material that reacts with the calcium hydroxide produced during cement hydration to form additional calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gel, which strengthens and densifies the concrete matrix.

Research results are remarkable: a 15% replacement of Portland cement with DE increased compressive strength by 53% compared to control concrete, while also improving porosity and water permeability (ANOVA analysis, p<0.05).

DE also reduces the heat of hydration in mass concrete structures, reducing cracking risk, and improves resistance to sulfate attack and alkali-silica reaction. BSiO₂'s 400 micron grade is the most suitable for concrete applications, and this is an active area of research at universities including QUT and UNSW.

Contact Richard West directly: Call 0418 465 707, email info@bsio2.com.au, or complete the contact form on our Contact page.

Pricing is volume-dependent — we offer competitive wholesale pricing on 1 tonne minimum orders, with volume discounts for larger regular orders.

Please have the following information ready: product grade required, estimated volume (tonnes per month or year), delivery location, and intended application. We supply across QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, and NT (Darwin). We respond to all enquiries within 1 business day.