Diatomite is a kind of biochemical deposit of siliceous clay non-metallic mineral. The United States, China, France, the former Soviet Union and Japan, Brazil, Spain and Algeria also have large reserves of diatomite in the world.

China's diatomite reserves rank first in more than 10 provinces and regions, including Jilin, Yunnan, Fujian and Hebei, of which Jilin's reserves account for about 55% of the country's total, and the quality is excellent. It is mainly composed of the remains of ancient silica harbor algae, radiolarians or sponge spicules rich in silica, and the diatom content can reach 70%~90%. The main mineral composition is opal and its varieties. Reference indexes for ore prospecting evaluation: silicon dioxide content>60%, aluminum oxide<18%, iron oxide and loss on ignition<7%. Most of them are open-pit mining. Generally, gravity concentration method is used for beneficiation, and flotation method can also be used for beneficiation.

It is used as filter agent for synthetic resin, chemical fiber, dye, coating, solvent, acid, electrolyte, glycerin, carrier for chemical fertilizer and pesticide, filler for plastic, rubber and pesticide, anti caking agent for ammonium nitrate, etc. It is widely used in light industry, food, building materials, petroleum, medicine, paper making, environmental protection and other sectors.

The United States, China, France and the former Soviet Union rank first in the world diatomite production In addition, Japan, Brazil, Spain and Algeria also have large reserves. China's diatomite reserves rank first in more than 10 provinces and regions, including Jilin, Yunnan, Fujian and Hebei, of which Jilin's reserves account for about 55% of the country's total, and the quality is excellent.