Common Properties of Calcium Carbonate

Calcium (Ca) is placed in the 20th position in the periodic table. It is the third most abundantly found metal on the earth’s crust and is the fifth chemical element available. It is a trimorphic metal and physically stand between sodium and aluminum; harder than the former and softer than the later.

Calcium carbonate has the ability to react with strong acids to release carbon dioxide. Such reactions are known as thermal decomposition reaction or calcination. It reacts with water to form soluble calcium bicarbonate.

Different ways of manufacturing Calcium Carbonate

In the laboratory, Calcium Carbonate is obtained from calcium oxide in large furnaces.

  • CaCO3 → CaO + CO2

Water is added to calcium oxide to obtain calcium hydroxide

  • CaO + H2O → Ca(OH)2

Now carbon dioxide is passed through calcium hydroxide to finally produce  precipitated calcium carbonate.

  • Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O

It is also seen that majority of calcium carbonate used in the industry is extracted by either mining or quarrying. Again the purest form of calcium carbonate can be easily obtained from pure quarried source like marble. They are mainly used in the food or pharmaceutical industry. They are abundant in rich properties.

Where is Calcium Carbonate found?

In biological context, it is found in egg, snail, oyster and other seashells. They are highly considered for industrial usage. It is also to be found in dark green vegetables like Broccoli and Kale.

When it comes to finding in the earth’s crust, calcite, aragonite and vaterite are the purest obtainable form of calcium carbonate minerals. Other industrially available source includes limestone, chalk, marble and travertine.

Uses of Calcium Carbonate

  • It is used in the construction industry in India.
  • Calcium carbonate is also used in the purification of iron from iron ore in a blast furnace
  • It is actively used in the purification of iron from iron ore.
  • It is used in the oil industry as a formation-bridging and filtercake-sealing agent.
  • It is used to refine sugar from sugar beet.
  • It is used in the manufacture of blackboard chalk.
  • It is an active ingredient used in baby diapers.
  • Calcium carbonate is widely used as an extender in paints
  • It is used as an extender in the paint industry and also as adhesives, sealants and decorating fillers.
  • It is also used in the medical industry as a dietary calcium supplement or gastric antacid.
  • It is also used in the production of toothpaste.

When it comes to the Indian industry, Kishan Exports is a leading manufacturer and exporter of high quality calcium carbonate minerals in the country. They offer a ‘synchronized blend of calcium and carbonate to their clients’ at the most competitive prices. For more information, you may check they official website at kishanexports.com.

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