Calcium Carbonate

Natural Occurrence

Calcium carbonate is widely found in nature in various forms:

• Limestone: A sedimentary rock mainly composed of calcite.
• Marble: A metamorphic rock formed from limestone.
• Chalk: A soft, white form of limestone.
• Calcite and Aragonite: Mineral forms of calcium carbonate.
• Shells and Corals: Found in the shells of marine organisms, snails, and eggs.

Industrial Uses

Calcium carbonate has a broad range of industrial applications:

• Construction: Used as a building material and aggregate in concrete.
• Agriculture: As a soil conditioner and pH adjuster.
• Food Industry: As a dietary calcium supplement and food additive (E170).
• Pharmaceuticals: An active ingredient in antacids and calcium supplements.
• Paper Industry: As a filler and coating material to enhance brightness and opacity.
• Plastics and Rubber: As a filler to improve mechanical properties and reduce costs.

Benefits

• Nutrient Source: Provides calcium, an essential nutrient for strong bones and teeth.
• Soil Improvement: Helps to neutralize acidic soils, promoting better crop yields.
• Environmental Applications: Used in flue gas desulfurization to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants.