What Is Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium carbonate, an alkaline metal carbonate with the formula CaCO3, is used in various applications from building materials to medical antacids. It is known for being virtually insoluble in water but soluble in acidic solutions, making it useful for agricultural soil conditioning and as a safe snow-melting agent due to its minimal impact on living organisms.
Uses of Calcium Carbonate
Its uses span construction, as a filler in various industries, as a pH adjuster, and in consumer products like toothpaste and erasers. Medically, it serves as an antacid, and agriculturally, it helps neutralize acidic soils.
Properties of Calcium Carbonate
An odorless white powder, calcium carbonate exists in different crystal forms, with limestone being its main raw material. It slightly dissolves in carbon dioxide-rich water to form calcium bicarbonate, and it’s also soluble in acids.
Types of Calcium Carbonate
It is categorized into heavy calcium carbonate (natural) and light calcium carbonate (synthetic or precipitated), each produced through distinct processes.
Other Information on Calcium Carbonate
1. How Calcium Carbonate Is Produced
Production involves calcination of limestone to form quicklime, hydration to form slaked lime, and carbonation to precipitate calcium carbonate. The end product is dried and commercialized as light calcium carbonate.
2. Precipitated Calcium Carbonate
This synthetic form, also known as agglutinated calcium carbonate, is finely particulate and often surface-modified for enhanced performance in fillers and other applications.