Mineral resource of the month: diatomite

Alan Founie

Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · 70045840

Mineral resource of the month: diatomite

Alan Founie

View original source ↗Read source document ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Diatomite is a soft, very fine-grained, siliceous sedimentary rock that is usually very light grey or beige in color. It is very finely porous, very low in density and essentially chemically inert. Rocks containing diatomite are excellent reservoir rocks for hydrocarbons.

Explore related subjects

Geotimes Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

Alan Founie. 2006. Mineral resource of the month: diatomite. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70045840

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2008

The dams come down: Unchaining U.S. Rivers

No abstract available.

Geotimes↗

USGS2008

Mineral resource of the month: arsenic

Arsenic has a long and varied history: Although it was not isolated as an element until the 13th century, it was known to the ancient Chinese, Egyptians and Greeks in compound form in the minerals arsenopyrite, realgar and orpiment. In the 1400s, “Scheele’s Green” was first used as an arsenic pigment in wallpaper, and leached arsenic from wallpaper may have contributed to Napoleon’s death in 1821. The 1940s play and later movie, Arsenic and Old Lace, dramatizes the metal’s more sinister role. Arsenic continues to be an important mineral commodity with many modern applications.

Geotimes↗

USGS2008

Mineral resource of the month: gemstones

Humans have been intrigued by gemstones since prehistoric times. Gemstones have been valued as treasured objects throughout history by all societies in all parts of the world. The first stones known to have been used for making jewelry include amber, amethyst, coral, diamond, emerald, garnet, jade, jasper, lapis lazuli, pearl, rock crystal, ruby, serpentine and turquoise. These stones served as status symbols for the wealthy. Today, arguably, gems are worn more for pleasure and in appreciation of their beauty than to demonstrate wealth.

Geotimes↗