WebA sample of food-grade diatomaceous earth Scanning electron micrograph of diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth (/ ˌ d aɪ. ə t ə ˈ m eɪ ʃ ə s / DY-ə-tə-MAY-shəs), diatomite (/ d aɪ ˈ æ t ə m aɪ t / dy-AT-ə-myte), celite or kieselgur/kieselguhr is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that can be crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a ...