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| Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) |
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| Assay (dried basis) |
greater than 99.96% |
| Loss on drying |
less than 0.2% |
| Aluminum (Al) |
less than 1 ppm |
| Antimony (Sb) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Barium (Ba) |
less than 1 ppm |
| Beryllium (Be) |
less than 0.5 ppm |
| Bismuth (Bi) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Boron (B) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Cadmium (Cd) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Cobalt (Co) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Copper (Cu) |
less than 0.5ppm |
| Iron (Fe) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Lead (Pb) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Magnesium (Mg) |
less than 1 ppm |
| Manganese (Mg) |
less than 1 ppm |
| Nickel (Ni) |
less than 1 ppm |
| Silicon (Si) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Sodium (Na) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Strontium (Sr) |
less than 15 ppm |
| Tin (Sn) |
less than 10 ppm |
| Titanium (Ti) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Vanadium (V) |
less than 5 ppm |
| Zinc (Zn) |
less than 5 ppm |
The principal component of calcium carbonate--calcium--is an earth metal
comprising 3.64% of the earth's crust. It is always found in combination with other materials, such as carbon or
oxygen, and never appears alone naturally. It is polymorphous, meaning it can take on a variety of crystal structures.
It is the main component of human teeth and bones in the form of calcium phosphate.
Historical Background
Calcium was isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808, but it was known long before that in its crystalline forms.
Iceland spar was scientifically described in the late 17th century, and was the material that gave R.J. Hauy clues
in developing the theory of crystal structure, leading to modern structural crystallography.
Calcium Carbonate
When combined as calcium carbonate the element takes the form of limestone, chalk, eggshells, coral, etc. Natural
forms of calcium carbonate are generally contaminated with clay and other impurities. White limestone is a relatively
pure form of the mineral in nature, while Iceland spar is a tightly crustallized form that has useful optical properties.
The limestone form is of course an important building material--especially in U.S. Federal government buildings.
Calcium carbonate is also an important contributor to some geological changes. It is soluble in water that contains
carbon dioxide, and thus contributes to the erosion of limestone deposits. It can then be deposited elsewhere.
Notable examples of this action are at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and Luray caverns in Virginia. The stalactites
and stalagmites are primarily limestone.
Although widely available in various natural forms, modern laboratory, electronic and ceramic applications require
the use of synthetically prepared material, for its higher purities and more reliable properties. Principal uses
of synthetic calcium carbonate include in medicine, in antacids, and as a dietary supplement (note that Tums contains
Calcium Carbonate, not Calcium Phosphate!); food (baking powder) and laboratory purposes.
If you believe you have a use for calcium carbonate, contact us. We will be happy to discuss and help you implement
your application.
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