Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃)
Other Names
-
Limestone
-
Chalk
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Calcite
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Marble (in crystalline form)
CAS Number: 471-34-1
Chemical Formula: CaCO₃
Molecular Weight: 100.09 g/mol
📘 1. Definition
Calcium Carbonate is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder or crystalline solid. It is one of the most widely used industrial minerals, naturally occurring as limestone, marble, or chalk. It is commonly used as a filler, pH regulator, construction material, and dietary supplement.
🧪 2. Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White powder or crystalline solid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 2.71 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | Decomposes at ~825 °C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in acids (e.g., HCl) |
| pH | 9.9 (saturated solution) |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions |
🧰 3. Applications / Uses
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Construction & Building | Cement, concrete, road base, lime production |
| Plastics & Rubber | Filler and reinforcement |
| Paints & Coatings | Filler, pigment extender, opacity enhancer |
| Paper Industry | Filler, coating pigment, improves brightness and smoothness |
| Agriculture | Soil pH adjustment, calcium supplement for plants |
| Food Industry | Dietary calcium supplement, antacid, food additive (E170) |
| Pharmaceuticals | Calcium tablets, antacids |
| Water Treatment | Neutralizing acidic water, hardness adjustment |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Mild abrasive, bulking agent in toothpaste and skincare products |
⚠️ 4. Safety & Handling
| Hazard | Details |
|---|---|
| Toxicity | Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in food and pharma |
| Inhalation | Dust may cause respiratory irritation |
| PPE | Dust mask, goggles recommended in powder handling |
| Storage | Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area |
| Handling | Minimize dust formation; avoid contact with moisture-sensitive materials |
📌 5. Summary
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) is a versatile, widely available mineral used in construction, plastics, paints, paper, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and water treatment. Its low cost, chemical stability, and safety make it an essential industrial material.
👁️ Görüntülenme: 44
