The cost of diatomite depends on its quality, how it will be used, and the preparation effort that has been invested by the supplier. The cost of diatomite that is straight from the mine without processing for use in concrete starts at about $7 per ton. Diatomite from high-grade deposits that has been crushed, sized, and beneficiated for use in the cosmetics, art supplies, and DNA extraction markets can cost more than $400 per ton.