From the production of construction materials, lime, drugs, and food to chromatography, the features and benefits of calcium carbonate have grown in relevance, and so has these being discussed in the form of a guide. Any industrial activity with a focus on construction, concrete, and pharmaceuticals understands the workings of calcium carbonate’s properties, methods of application, and benefits.
What Is Calcium Carbonate?
Calcium carbonate is a type of mineral that is mostly present in limestones, marbles, and chalk deposits. This compound can be found in nature in solid forms as white fine powder or odorless crystals. These forms are insoluble in water but can dissolve in weak acids.
Major Properties of Calcium Carbonate
The salient features with regards to calcium carbonate are;
Chemical formula: CaCO₃
Appearance: Crystalline solids or white powder.
Solubility: Calcium carbonate is non-soluble in water but has a reaction with acids.
pH: Mild base
Density: 2.7g/cm³
Thermal stability: At elevated temperatures, long calcination processes yield easy separations of calcium oxide and large amounts of carbon dioxide.
Common Uses of Calcium Carbonate
1. Industrial Applications
Construction and Building Materials: Calcium carbonate is applied in the production of cement, concrete, and lime.
Paper Production: Calcium carbonate is used as a coating or filler for paper to enhance brightness and smoothness.