Diatomaceous Earth (short DE) is composed of the microscopic skeletons of diatoms, which thrived in prehistoric lakes. As these diatoms died, they sank to the lake bottom, where, over eons, their skeletons were compacted into the product now called diatomaceous earth (DE). The DE used in horticulture is from fresh water diatoms, not to be confused with the salt water diatoms used to make swimming pool filter material.
Deposits have been mined for centuries and have been used in hundreds of industrial and agricultural applications. There are two primary types of diatomaceous earth deposits - saltwater and freshwater.
Saltwater DE is commercially processed in the United States, primarily application as a filter aid. Beer, wine, fruit juices, and vegetable oils are filtered through the diatoms' multitude of pores, acting as microscopic sieves. Swimming pool and fish tank filters also utilize this material. Because saltwater DE has a high crystalline silica content from a process called calcining (being exposed to high degrees of heat), it is not appropriate, and in fact dangerous to use in ingestible applications such as grain storage and as an animal feed additive and can damage the lungs if inhaled. It contains many sharp points which can become permanently lodged in the airways
Freshwater DE is mined from ancient lakebeds, primarily in Nevada and Arizona, and is ideal for agricultural uses because it typically has a low crystalline silica content (amorphous), and is highly absorptive. Documented use of diatomite by the Chinese for pest control dates back almost 4,000 years. Because of its ability to kill insects, DE has been used in grain storage for generations. As awareness of and concern about chemical pesticides grow, non-toxic, natural, diatomaceous earth is enjoying renewed attention and interest. As well, many farmers and ranchers tout DE as a neutral anthelmentic (de-wormer), and are finding great success by adding it to their livestock feed to keep their goats, sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, and fowl healthy and clean without the use of chemical drugs. A fresh water DE particle is a microscopic tube which draws water into it by capillary action. They can hold more than their weight in water. DE is the main ingredient in high quality soil wetting mixes. It is non-toxic, safe for the environment, and does not effect the soil chemistry.
Fossil Shell Flour® is the purest, certified organic, natural, food-grade diatomaceous earth available. Fossil Shell Flour is the trade name for Perma-Guard's Food-Grade Diatomaceous Earth (DE). The name is known the world over and is considered the purest form of diatomaceous earth available anywhere. Although it is sold as an anti-caking agent, that is perhaps what it is known and used for the least. Users of Fossil Shell Flour (FSF) who feed it to livestock have seen noticeable improvements in the health of their animals.
Perma-Guard products use Diatomaceous Earth, mother natures eco-friendly naturally organic material. Our products fit into the "living Green" lifestyle. Actually, DE is not an earth. It is the fossilized remains of microscopic shells created by one celled plants called DIATOMS. Not all deposits of diatomaceous earth or the diatoms present in those deposits are the same. Perma-Guard's Fossil Shell Flour® is a very pure form of diatomaceous earth used as an anti-caking feed additive.
What's the difference between amorphous and crystalline silica?
Amorphous silica is silica in it's natural occurring state. It is a trace mineral every mammal on the planet needs to live. It becomes crystalline when it is exposed to extreme heat through volcanic activity or commercial manufacturing means. The type of diatomaceous earth used in swimming pool, and other, filtration systems is crystalline silica. Crystalline silica is extremely dangerous when inhaled or ingested. It is not biodegradable.
Bird and animal feed contain substances such as molasses that cause the particles to become "sticky" . It forms clumps that not only make the feed hard to pour, but also to become moldy. Fossil Shell Flour®, mixed in the feed, coats each particle making it difficult for the particles to stick together. This allows the feed to "flow" better and it's absorption ability protects it from mold. No mold means less wasted feed. By separating the particles of feed, the animal's digestive enzymes are able to completely surround each particle. This allows for a more complete digestion. The animal gets more benefit from his feed and the farmer more benefit for his feed dollar.
Fossil Shell Flour® anti-caking agent is to be mixed at a rate not to exceed 2% of the dry weight of the rations. This means, when mixing, in every one hundred pounds of feed, 2 pounds of feed is replaced by 2 pounds of Fossil Shell Flour® . All regulated products are sold by the information on the label.
Please note: Fossil Shell Flour is officially sold here in Australia as an anti-caking agent. Perma Guard's Fossil Shell Flour (diatomaceous earth) is currently registered for use on grain (CSIRO).
Further websites about Fossil Shell Flour® - Diatomaceous Earth from all over the World
Where else do I buy Fossil Shell Flour® in Australia?
We are the official exclusive distributor for Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. We sell the product directly to the public. You can order it through our website or visit us in our shop.
You can also consult the website Fossil Shell Flour . com . au to see if you find more information about another outlet near you.
Retail, Agriculture, Grain Storage & Farming in General
If you would like to resell Perma Guard's Fossil Shell Flour® in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria or Tasmania or if you are a big farmer who would need large quantities, please get in contact with us to make arrangements.
Fossil Shell Flour® is sold as anti-caking agent only here in Australia. Most of the reports have been generated in the United States. The use of Fossil Shell Flour® as anything else but an anti-caking agent falls under your own responsibility.
Any food grade diatomaceous earth uses other than those approved by the EPA, FDA, or USDA (United States) are strictly reports of what farmers, others, and we ourselves have done with diatomaceous earth.
Additionally, the following material is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician or vet. This information is not intended as a substitute for the reader's independent judgment and personal responsibility. Health issues are far too important to delegate to anyone else. It is highly recommended you seek information and counsel from as wide a variety of sources as possible, as in the end YOU make the decisions.
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Diatomaceous Earth (short DE) is composed of the microscopic skeletons of diatoms, which thrived in prehistoric lakes. As these diatoms died, they sank to the lake bottom, where, over eons, their skeletons were compacted into the product now called diatomaceous earth (DE). The DE used in horticulture is from fresh water diatoms, not to be confused with the salt water diatoms used to make swimming pool filter material.