Description

Spongolite is a naturally occurring fossilised sea sponge, it holds nutrient and water, it is unique in that is does not leech the held water, it will only release to the plant root system on demand, again making it a valuable addition to any soil, garden bed and again in aquaponics. Spongolite absorbs and retains large amounts of water and can be used in garden beds and potting mixes to dramatically reduce water consumption.

Spongolite contails silica, it is abrasive and care should be taken wjen handling this product. Avoid breathing dust particles (always use a mask to prevent any inhalation.) It is a useful additive to potting mix; incorporate at about 2 - 10% of the total volume used. It can be worked into the top 100 - 200mm of soil, or added to compost piles. On sandy soils, use at a ratio of 250gms - 1kg per square metre. As a general rule, the poorer the soil, the more Spongolite may be required. Try a smaller quantity, and repeat application if required.

Spongolite is mined in Western Australia.

Spongolite is Organic

Spongolite (and Zeolite) are a natural, certified organic and endorsed product by the Water Corporation of Western Australia as a preferred soil amendment. Being an organic product you can be assured that you can never overdose these products, infact, using more will always be better.

INTRODUCTION

Spongolite is truly "Natures Sponge" because it is formed from natural sponges that were present on the seabed hundreds of millions of years ago. What was once the seabed millions of years ago is now pleasant pastoral country 60km inland from the south coast of Western Australia. In that ancient seabed, the remains of millions of tonnes of marine sponges collected in a depression in the seabed as they moved with the ocean currents. That is the basis of the formation of Spongolite which we now mine.

The deposits are very pure and uniform and stretch over a significant area ensuring a continuing supply of consistent quality product comes from our operations.

WHY DOES SPONGOLITE WORK SO WELL?

Spongolite is a superior absorbent granule product because it is very highly porous - retaining the original structure of marine sponges. Not only does it absorb liquids better, but it retains them much letter due to the liquid being "locked away" inside the sponge structure, giving negligible release (leaching) back to the environment when the Spongolite is disposed of. Because the sponge structure is silica based, it is also very strong. This means that Spongolite does not break down and become wet and messy and slippery when it absorbs liquids, giving a safer and cleaner clean-up. Most clay based absorbents become wet and slippery when they absorb liquids.

The Spongolite consists predominantly of the dismembered skeletons of sponges which are composed of form of hydrated silica variously described as opal, amorphous silica, opal-cristobalite or alpha-cristobalite. The most accurate description is disordered alpha-cristobalite.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Spongolite is a mineral based absorbent formed from natural sponges that were deposited on the seabed hundreds of missions of years ago. Our operations are based in the South West of Western Australia where we mine and package Spongolite for commercial use from our large high quality deposit.

USES

Spongolite is used as an absorbent for all fluid spills, including chemicals, acids and oils and acts quickly and effectively on this task. The mineral is heat resistant and can be used as a safety and fire prevention toll at a variety of relevant sites such as refineries, race tracks, machinery and farm workshops, kitchens, processing plants and fluid storage facilities. It is non-flammable and safe to use around machinery. The company is continuing to research and develop new uses for this versatile product.

CURRENT DOMESTIC USES

Pet Litter Trays: Layer in pet tray will absorb pet litter and reduce odour.
Car Drip Trays: Catch the little spills before damage to flooring occurs.
Odour Absorption: Place a small amount in open container in refrigerator, ashtray, garbage bin, garbage room, etc. to absorb unwanted odours.
CURRENT HORTICULTURAL USES

Orchid Mix: Specialised mix of natural ingredients.
Hydroponics: Used to retain moisture and nutrients.
Potting Mix Additive: Add to potting mix to increase aeration and reduce watering.
Decorative Gravel: Used as a decorative and moisture retentive coverage.
HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS

Excellent thermal insulator.
No cracking or spalling in high temperature applications.
Very high melting point (silica based).
STORAGE AND HANDLING

Spongolite is packaged in plastic bags on pallets of 1 tonne quantity. Current bag size is 15kg and it is also available in bulk if required - 1 tonne bulker bags or by the truckload. No specific storage requirements are needed, however we recommend that undercover, dry storage be used.

SAFETY

Spongolite is safe to store and use - consisting essentially of inert natural mineral. Please see the Material Safety Data Sheet for full details.

CURRENT INDUSTRIAL AND SAFETY USES

Major industrial and commercial liquid spillages: Use Spongolite to rapidly absorb and contain liquid spillages.
Safer Traffic Areas: Spongolite used on ramps and floors helps prevent wheel slip in forklifts and other vehicles, particularly where oil spills have occurred.
Dust Control: Wet Spongolite makes an excellent sweeping compound for dusty areas.
Packaging: Spongelite is an ideal cushion or shock absorbent for the prevention of breakages, particularly for the transport of inflammable or corrosive liquids. However, should breakage occur, the contents are readily absorbed, thereby greatly reducing the risk of fire or burns.
CURRENT INDUSTRIAL AND SAFETY USES

Metal Working: oil film on machinery parts can be readily removed by tumbling in Spongolite
Chemically inert - resists chemical attack and oxidation at high temperatures
Can be cut into fire bricks
Granules can be used as thermal insulation packing
Potential to be developed as a castable refractory.
GENERAL

As a natural mineral product, Spongolite has a very broad use due to its fast absorbency rate and compatibility with fluid product. As a safety aid, Spongolite is extremely effective as it can be applied quickly, is easily transported, is fire resistant and will minimise fluid spills spreading to other areas.