Calcium Carbonate - China

Brief Overview

Calcium carbonate, represented by the formula CaCO₃, constitutes 4% of the Earth's total crust and is present in various natural sources such as eggshells, snails, mineral rocks, pearls, and shells of marine organisms. This odorless and tasteless powder finds applications in health supplements, the agricultural sector, environmental uses, and more. Notably, it plays a crucial role as a key component in agricultural lime, primarily employed to enhance soil workability. Calcium carbonate is extensively utilized in the production of health supplements, although it's important to note that, like many substances, excessive quantities can pose hazards despite their health benefits.

Manufacturing Process

The majority of daily-use calcium carbonate is sourced from mining and quarrying. High-grade, pure calcium carbonate is acquired from pristine marble, particularly for pharmaceutical purposes. An alternative synthetic method involves diluting calcium oxide with water to yield calcium hydroxide. Subsequently, carbon dioxide is introduced into a solution of calcium hydroxide, resulting in the formation of precipitated calcium carbonate.

Food Industry

In the food industry, calcium carbonate serves as a food additive for acidity regulation, spoilage prevention, and texture enhancement in various food products, including baked goods, cereals, and dairy items.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Within the pharmaceutical realm, calcium carbonate finds application as a calcium supplement and an excipient in tablet formulations, contributing to enhanced mechanical strength.

Paper Industry

The paper industry utilizes calcium carbonate as a coating pigment and filler, contributing to improved brightness, opacity, and bulk in paper products. Additionally, it acts as a sizing agent to reduce paper porosity and enhance printing quality.