What is CaCO3?
What is CaCO3?
CaCO3 is a chemical formula for the compound called Calcium Carbonate. It is composed of three elements namely Calcium, Carbon, and Oxygen. It is a solid compound which is white, non-toxic, and odorless.
Practically the earth’s own crust contains this mineral making it one of the most abundant raw materials that can be sourced from nature. This mineral is usually found as a rock, like the stalactites and stalagmites in caves. It can also be dissolved in bodies of water like our oceans and rivers. It is also common in the form of calcite or a white mineral found in limestone and marbles. Because of its geological sources, calcium carbonate may commonly be called as limestone, marble, chalk, or calcite.
Commercial calcium carbonate may be produced naturally or synthetically. Much of calcium carbonate is produced for the construction industry, steel industry, glass industry, and various other industries.
In the construction industry, many of us know that limestone and marble have been used for centuries in making structures like buildings. But aside from building, calcium carbonate may also be used in road construction and various engineering works. The industries of making plastic, rubber, paper, and ceramic also use calcium carbonate as one of the raw materials for production. It is also the main ingredient in agricultural lime production. The calcium carbonate in lime helps neutralize the soil and improve its quality.
In the medical field, calcium carbonate is used as a supplement for those who need more calcium in the body. It is said to help keep the teeth stronger and may help in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Calcium carbonate has various uses and applications in different fields and various industries. It can be sourced naturally and may be reproduced synthetically; that is why many industries use it for a variety of reasons.