08/31/2026
On August 31, National Diatomaceous Earth Day celebrates the fascinating natural material created by tiny organisms called diatoms and recognizes the many ways it benefits our world.
Many people know diatomaceous earth (DE) as a natural insect control product or as a filtration material for swimming pools, but its importance goes far beyond the home. Diatoms are microscopic, single-celled organisms that produce a large portion of the world's oxygen supply. When these organisms die, their delicate silica-based skeletons, called frustules, accumulate over time and form diatomaceous earth.
DE is a type of sedimentary rock found in deposits around the world, including areas of the United States, Mexico, Chile, Peru, France, Spain, Denmark, and China. Some deposits formed millions of years ago in ancient lakes and oceans, while new deposits continue to develop today.
Throughout history, people have used diatomaceous earth for its unique properties. Ancient civilizations used it as an abrasive and building material, while modern industries rely on it for filtration, absorption, polishing, and stabilization.
Today, DE is used in many applications, including filtering beverages like beer and wine, purifying water, refining food and medications, improving paints, strengthening plastics, and helping absorb oil spills. Its versatility continues to inspire new uses and discoveries.
Celebrate by learning more about this remarkable natural material and discovering where diatomaceous earth may be used in everyday life. Do you use DE in your chicken coop or with any of your other animals?