Wollastonite

Wollastonite, its formula CaSiO3, is a calcium-silicate mineral which forms naturally when impure limestone is subjected to high temperatures and pressure. It is relatively rare, produced in a handful of places throughout the world. Its high versatility is due to its distinctive chemical composition, mineralogical structure and physical properties.
 

This mineral has SO many uses because of its unique characteristics, but chances are that you haven’t heard of it. Its current applications include: paints, ceramics, plastics, friction products (brakes, clutches), construction materials (safe substitute for asbestos), environmental rehabilitation (phosphorus and heavy metal absorption), and most surprisingly: as a natural grub treatment and fertilizer!

Wollastonite is bright white with a pearly luster, and when it is fractured, this soft mineral (4.5-5 on the Mohs scale) splinters unevenly into needle-like fragments. It is because of those splinters that it is successful as a grub treament—the tiny crystals pierce and lacerate the grubs which leads to their dehydration and death.

As a fertilizer, when wollastonite breaks down it becomes a great natural soil amendment, supplying calcium (Ca), plant available silicon (Si), and traces of magnesium (Mg) and other beneficial elements to the soil. These help to increase carbon storage, balance the pH of the soil, and increase environmental stress tolerance in the plants by strengthening their root systems.