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 this mineral in Far North Queensland.

DE has been used by civilisations for thousands of years — archaeologists have found it used as a construction and preservation material in some of history's greatest structures. The unique porous microscopic structure of diatom frustules gives DE its remarkable combination of properties: high absorbency, low density, chemical inertness, and natural pest control efficacy.

Biogenic Amorphous Silica (BSiO₂) 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). The product is also sometimes referred to as Diatomite, Kieselguhr, or Fossil Shell Flour.

This is one of the most common points of confusion about diatomaceous earth, and it is worth explaining carefully because the words "organic" and "inorganic" mean very different things depending on the context.

IN CHEMISTRY: "Organic" means a substance contains carbon-based molecular structures — typically compounds produced by living organisms. "Inorganic" means a substance does not have a carbon-based structure. By this definition, diatomaceous earth is INORGANIC. Silica (SiO₂) is a mineral compound of silicon and oxygen — no carbon. DE is a mineral, just like quartz, salt, or clay.

IN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD: "Organic" refers to how something is grown or produced — without synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or artificial additives. By this definition, diatomaceous earth is often APPROVED for use in certified organic systems — because it is a naturally occurring mineral that has not been chemically treated or synthetically manufactured.

WHY THE CONFUSION EXISTS: Because DE is 100% natural, comes from the earth, involves no chemical processing, and is commonly used in organic farming — many people assume it is "organic" in the chemical sense. It is not. It is a natural inorganic mineral, just as limestone, rock phosphate, and copper sulfate are inorganic minerals that are also approved for organic agriculture.

WHAT THIS MEANS PRACTICALLY: Diatomaceous earth being inorganic does not make it less natural or less safe. It simply means it is a mineral rather than a carbon compound. BSiO₂ product is:

• 100% naturally occurring — mined from a geological deposit in Far North Queensland
• Never chemically processed — no synthetic compounds, no heat treatment, no additives
• Approved for use in certified organic agricultural systems
• APVMA-registered in its grain protectant category
• Approved as a food additive under FSANZ (E551 / INS 551)

So in everyday practical terms: diatomaceous earth is a natural product approved for organic use — it is just not "organic" in the strict chemistry sense of the word. This distinction matters most for supplement manufacturers and food processors working with ingredient labelling regulations, where "organic" and "inorganic" have precise technical meanings.

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.

BSiO₂ product is NEVER calcined. It goes from the deposit through crushing and screening only — no heat treatment. This means the safe amorphous structure is preserved, the product retains its natural properties, it qualifies as genuinely natural for clean label and food grade purposes, and there is no conversion to crystalline silica.

When evaluating any DE 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.

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 crystalline silica exposure standards.

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 (gut lining). 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 for absorption.

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 (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container / bulka bag) for wholesale buyers:

4–8 mm (Industrial Grade): Spill kit coarse absorbent, drainage aggregate, explosive formulation inert agent, civil fill applications.

2–4 mm (Industrial / Agricultural): Spill kits, grain storage protection, soil drainage, livestock bedding, farm pest control.

Minus 2 mm (Agricultural / Food): Grain silo protectant (APVMA-registered natural grain protectant category), poultry and livestock feed additive, natural pest control.

400 Micron (Food / Industrial): Food flow agent and carrier, health supplement base, kitty litter ingredient, green concrete supplementary cementitious material.

BSiO₂ Pty Ltd mines a high-grade diatomaceous earth deposit in Far North Queensland. The deposit contains in excess of 10 million tonnes of high-grade diatomaceous earth with minimal overburden, ensuring long-term supply.

Processing is intentionally simple — the mined material is crushed and screened to produce the various particle size grades. No heat treatment, no chemical processing, no calcining. What comes from the ground is what goes into the bulka bag, subject to sizing — this is what makes BSiO₂ genuinely "natural" and non-calcined.

The operational season for mining is approximately August to December each year. Product is processed and stockpiled for distribution, year-round from the depot on the Kennedy Highway for convenient access to major transport routes.

Yes — food grade (non-calcined) diatomaceous earth has a long history of safe use in animal health applications. It is used as a natural pest control agent (against mites, lice, and flies) and as a feed additive for gut health and internal parasite management in poultry, cattle, dairy, horses, and pets.

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 particularly useful for: Poultry (red mite and litter beetle control; feed additive); 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 grade DE (which is calcined) should never be used on or near animals.

Contact Richard West directly:

• Call: 0418 465 707
• Email: admin@bsio2.com.au
• Online: 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 orders.

Please have the following 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).