Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a prevalent substance that exists naturally in rocks, primarily in the forms of calcite and aragonite, with limestone being the most well-known source. It is obtained through mining or quarrying and is referred to as Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC). Alternatively, calcium carbonate can be produced from calcium oxide. This involves adding water to create calcium hydroxide, followed by the passage of carbon dioxide through the solution to cause the precipitation of calcium carbonate. This resulting form is known as precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC).
- Synonyms
- Argonite, Calcite, Chalk, Lime, Limestone, Marble, Ground Calcium Carbonate, GCC, Precipitated Calcium Carbonate, PCC, E170
- Chemical Formula
- CaCO3
- CAS Number
- 471-34-1
Characteristics
- Molar Weight
- 100.086 g/mol
- Melting Point
- 825 °C
- Boiling Point
- decomposes
- Density
- 2.71 g/cm³ (Calcite), 2.83 g/cm³ (Aragonite)
- Forms
- Grey, Powder, White
Uses and Applications
Key applications
- Baking
- Adhesives and Sealants
- Agricultural
- Household industrial
- Paint and Coatings
- Rubber
- Floor coverings
- Filler
- Metallurgy
- Plastics and polymers
- Food additive
- Nutritional supplements
- Water treatment
- Oil and Gas
- Pulp and paper
- Automotive
- Personal care
- Animal feed