Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Last Updated : 26 Dec, 2023

Calcium Carbonate is a prevalent substance discovered in rocks and shells. Commonly Known as Limestone, Calcium Carbonate exists as a white, powdery compound composed of calcium, carbon, and oxygen. The article provides information on calcium carbonate, its properties, uses, commercial production, formula, preparation, types, benefits, and applications.

Table of Content

What is Calcium Carbonate(CaCO3)
Calcium Carbonate Structure
Preparation of Calcium Carbonate
Forms of Calcium Carbonate
Calcium Carbonate Properties
Calcium Carbonate – Applications

What is Calcium Carbonate(CaCO₃)

Calcium Carbonate is a Chemical Compound with Chemical Formula CaCO₃

Calcium carbonate is a common substance found in rocks and shells. It’s a white, powdery compound made up of calcium, carbon, and oxygen. People use it in various products, like chalk, toothpaste, and antacids. In nature, it forms limestone and marble. Calcium carbonate is also added to foods as a Calcium Supplement.

Common Name of Calcium Carbonate

Calcium Carbonate is commonly known as limestone or chalk.

It is often used in construction materials, like cement and mortar. In our bodies, it plays a role in forming bones and teeth. You can also find it in dietary supplements as a source of calcium.

Calcium Carbonate Formula

Calcium carbonate has the chemical formula CaCO_3.

It is a common substance found in rocks, shells, and pearls. Used in various industries, it’s an essential ingredient in chalk, antacids, and dietary supplements. Its formula represents one calcium atom, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms.

Calcium Carbonate Molar Mass

Molar mass of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is approximately 100.09 g/mol.

To find the molar mass of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), add up the atomic masses of all the atoms in one molecule of CaCO₃.

The atomic masses are:

Calcium (Ca): 40.08 g/mol
Carbon (C): 12.01 g/mol
Oxygen (O): 16.00 g/mol

Adding them together:

The molar mass of CaCO₃ equals the atomic mass of Ca plus the atomic mass of C plus three times the atomic mass of O.

Molar Mass of CaCO₃ = 40.08+12.01+3×16.00

Simplify the calculation:

= 40.08 + 12.01 + 48.00

= 40.08+12.01+48.00

= 100.09 g/mol

Calcium Carbonate Structure

Calcium carbonate is a compound composed of calcium, carbon, and oxygen atoms. Its chemical formula is CaCO₃. It forms a crystalline structure commonly found in rocks, shells, and pearls. This mineral is widely used in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and pharmaceuticals. Calcium Carbonate is an ionic compound in which cation is Ca²⁺ and anion is CO₃^2-. The crystal structure of Calcium Carbonate is Trigonal.

Calcium Carbonate Lewis structure

The Lewis structure of a molecule is a representation of its molecular structure, showing how the atoms are bonded and arranged. For calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), the Lewis structure can be illustrated as follows:

Identify the atoms and their valence electrons:

Calcium (Ca) has 2 valence electrons.
Carbon (C) has 4 valence electrons.
Oxygen (O) has 6 valence electrons.

Determine the total number of valence electrons:

2 × 1 (ca) + 1 × 4(c) + 3 × 6 (30) = 2 + 4 + 18 = 24 electrons

Arrange the atoms, with the central atom typically being the one with the lowest electronegativity. In this case, it’s carbon (C).

Connect the atoms with single bonds. Each bond represents 2 electrons.

Distribute the remaining electrons around the atoms to satisfy the octet rule (except for hydrogen, which follows the duet rule).

Calcium-Carbonate

Learn, Carbonate Ion

Physical Properties of Calcium Carbonate

The physical properties of calcium carbonate is tabulated below:

Physical Properties of Calcium Carbonate
Property	Description
Appearance	White, odourless powder or colorless crystals
Density	2.71 g/cm³
Melting Point	Decomposes at 825°C
Solubility in Water	Slightly soluble, but more soluble in acidic solutions
Crystal System	Trigonal
Hardness	3 on the Mohs scale

Chemical Properties of CaCO₃

The chemical properties of calcium carbonate can be visualized in terms of chemical reaction it undergoes. Let’s have glance on the chemical reactions of CaCO₃

Reaction of CaCO₃ with Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)

Calcium Carbonate on reacting with HCl gives calcium chloride salt and carbon dioxide gas which causes effervesence.

CaCO₃(s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl₂(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

Thermal Decomposition (Heating) of CaCO₃

Thermal Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate form Calcium Oxide with the release of carbon dioxide

CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO₂(g)

Reaction with Water

Calcium Carbonate is insoluble in water under normal conditions but form calcium bicarbonate when react with carbon dioxide saturated water

CaCO₃(s) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g) → Ca(HCO₃)₂

Reaction with Acids

Calcium Carbonate when react with acid form calcium salt, water and carbon dioxide is released

CaCO₃(s) + 2H⁺(aq) → Ca²⁺(aq) + H₂O(l) + CO₂(g)

Benefits of Calcium Carbonate

The benefits of Calcium Carbonate are mentioned below:

Calcium carbonate supports the development and maintenance of robust skeletal structures.
Adequate calcium intake reduces the risk of osteoporosis, promoting bone density.
Essential for proper muscle function, calcium carbonate aids in everyday movements.
Calcium is crucial for transmitting signals between nerve cells, facilitating communication in the nervous system.
Contributes to the clotting process, preventing excessive bleeding after injuries.
Calcium supports a healthy heart rhythm and helps regulate blood pressure.
Regular intake prevents deficiency disorders like hypocalcemia, averting muscle spasms and numbness.
Vital for fetal bone and teeth development during pregnancy.
Acts as an antacid, neutralizing stomach acid and alleviating acid reflux.
Conveniently used as a supplement to meet daily calcium needs when natural sources fall short.

Calcium Carbonate Indication

Calcium carbonate is commonly used as a dietary supplement to address low levels of calcium in the body, supporting bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis. It is also employed as an antacid to alleviate symptoms of indigestion or heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your individual needs and health status.

Preparation of Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate can be prepared through a straightforward process. First, calcium oxide, commonly known as lime, reacts with carbon dioxide. This reaction forms calcium carbonate and releases heat.

CaO + CO2 → CaCO₃

The resulting calcium carbonate is a white, odorless powder that is insoluble in water. After the reaction, the powder is collected, and if needed, it can be further refined for various applications. This process is widely used in industries for manufacturing calcium carbonate, a versatile compound used in products like chalk, paint, and supplements.

Commercial Production of Calcium Carbonate

Manufacturing Calcium Carbonate for commercial use involves large-scale production processes. It is created to meet various industrial needs, such as in construction, agriculture, and other applications. Calcium Carbonate is prepared commercially by two methods

Ground Calcium Carbonate: In this method, calcium carbonate is extracted by from naturally occurring deposits. The crystals of Ground Calcium carbonate is rhombohedral shape.

Precipitated calcium Carbonate: In this method, calcium carbonate is prepared by chemical precipitation. The shape of calcium carbonate obtained in this method is uniform.

Forms of Calcium Carbonate

Calcium Carbonate exists in various forms in nature. The different forms of Calcium Carbonate is mentioned below:

Calcite
Aragonite
Vaterite

These forms of Calcium Carbonate is discussed below:

Calcite

Calcite is a common form of calcium carbonate found in nature.

It often occurs in crystalline shapes and is a major component of limestone and marble.

Used in various industries, calcite has applications in construction, agriculture, and as a calcium supplement.

Aragonite

Aragonite is another crystalline form of calcium carbonate.

It is found in pearls, shells, and coral reefs.

Its unique structure makes it valuable in aquariums and as a source of calcium for organisms.

Aragonite plays a role in the carbon cycle, influencing Earth’s geological and biological processes.

Vaterite

Vaterite represents a rarer form of calcium carbonate.

It forms under specific conditions and is less stable than calcite or aragonite.

Despite its scarcity, vaterite has significance in certain scientific studies, particularly in nanotechnology and medical research, showcasing its diverse applications.

Calcium Carbonate Properties

The properties of Calcium Carbonate is discussed below in the table

Chemical Formula: CaCO3
Appearance: White, odorless powder or colorless crystal
State at Room Temperature: Solid
Solubility in Water: Limited solubility
pH Level: Basic (around 9-10 in water)
Occurrence: Natural mineral in rocks, shells, and chalk
Common Uses: Building material, antacid in medicine, calcium supplement, agricultural lime
Decomposition Temperature: Decomposes at high temperatures, releasing carbon dioxide and leaving calcium oxide (lime).
Reaction with Acids: Effervescent reaction, releasing carbon dioxide gas
Role in the Environment: Used by marine organisms to build shells, and in carbon cycle processes.

Calcium Carbonate – Applications

The applications of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is mentioned below:

Agriculture: Used as a soil conditioner to improve pH levels and provide essential calcium for plant growth.
Construction: Main ingredient in cement, mortar, and stucco for building purposes.
Food Industry: Acts as a calcium supplement in food products like flour, baking powder, and nutritional supplements.
Pharmaceuticals: Commonly used in antacids and calcium supplements for medical applications.
Water Treatment: Helps in purifying water by neutralizing acidic substances.
Paper Industry: Used as a filler material in the production of paper to enhance brightness and opacity.
Environmental Applications: Employed in flue gas desulfurization to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from industrial processes.
Paints and Coatings: Acts as a filler and extender in the production of paints and coatings.
Plastics Industry: Enhances the strength and durability of plastic products.
Rubber Industry: Used as a reinforcing filler in the manufacturing of rubber products.

Calcium Carbonate Uses

Various uses of Calcium Carbonates are,

Used in cement and mortar for building structures.
Acts as a soil conditioner to improve crop growth.
Commonly found in calcium supplements for bone health.
Used as a firming agent in certain fruits and vegetables.
Present in some antacids to neutralize stomach acid.
Enhances durability and provides a smooth finish.
A filler in plastic production to improve strength.
Helps neutralize acidic water in lakes and rivers.
Used in paper production for brightness and smoothness.
Added for calcium enrichment in livestock diets.

Calcium Carbonate Summary

Chemical Name	Calcium Carbonate
Chemical Formula	CaCO₃
Molecular Weight	100 g/mol
Appearance	White, odorless powder or colorless crystal
State at Room Temperature	Solid
Solubility in Water	Limited solubility
pH Level	Basic (around 9-10 in water)
Occurrence	Natural mineral in rocks, shells, and chalk

Also, Check