Magnesium Carbonate Characteristics and Applications

Magnesium carbonate is made from magnesium salt having chemical formula MgCO3. Its hydrated forms, particularly the di-, tri-, and tetrahydrates occur as minerals. It has a role as an antacid and a fertilizer. It has a magnesium salt, a carbonate salt and a one-carbon compound.
It  is inorganic compound present in white color. MgCO3 has small amount of nickel, iron, calcium and aluminium as impurities in it.
Its density is 3-3.1 g cm-3. It is used in the production of compound that are capable to resist high temperature.

Characteristics of Magnesium Carbonate

1. Magnesium Carbonate reacts with acid and produce carbon dioxide and water.
2. On heating it splits into magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide and this process is known as calcining.
3. It is in soluble in water and alcohol.
4. It is alkaline in nature so it acts as a weak base.
5. It displays the property of  hygroscopic. It ties and grip with water molecules from the surrounding ambience.

Magnesium Carbonate

Applications of  Magnesium Carbonate

• It is added  in perfumes because it works as a perfume carrier.
• It makes the product anti–misting so it is used in paint & ink industries.
• It helps the manufacturer to make more shiny, white & smooth paper
• It can also be used in fire fighting materials, fire proofings and in where hot & cold insulation needed.
• We can use it in fertilizer, ceramic and glass industry .
• It is use in making of hair dye.
• It is also used in cosmetic industry in making of face powder, body talcum and in toothpaste because it helps to retain their fragrance.
• It is used in making of antacid and laxative tablets because it control the symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, and constipation.
• It is added in food and beverage preparation for filtering and clarifying work.
• It is very common to be used as a food additive. And its authentic form  it is added to cooking salt.
• MgCO3 is used by athletes and gymnasts they rub this powder on their hands or on legs to improve their performance as it helps to make a better grip. And it is used by other sports person to make their hands perspiration free.
• MgCO3 is used as a filler in rubber and plastic industry. It helps to advance the tensile stability of rubber and make it lighter. It act as a reinforcing agent in synthetic rubber production.