Calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is a chemical compound that consists of a calcium cation (Ca²⁺) and a carbonate anion cation (CO₃²⁻). This compound is known as lime scale or limestone. Calcium carbonate is found in nature in various forms, such as limestone rocks, coral reefs, marine shell deposits, and minerals such as calcite, aragonite, and vaterite.

In nature, calcium carbonate is an important building block for the formation of limestone rocks. These rocks can later be subjected to erosion and deformation, resulting in various geological formations such as caves, cave formations and hills.

Calcium carbonate is also used in industry and in various sectors:

Construction: It is part of the production of limestone, lime mortars, concrete and other building materials that provide strength and durability.

Agriculture: It is used to adjust soil acidity. Acidic soil is neutralized with calcium limestone, which improves the availability of nutrients for plants.

Food industry: In the food industry, calcium carbonate can be used as an acidity regulator, leavening agent in baking and as an additive in some food products.

Industry: Used in the manufacture of glass, crystals and ceramics to stabilize structure and color.

Environment: Calcium carbonate is also used to neutralize acid rain and remove heavy metals from polluted waters.

Pharmaceutical industry: It is used as a source of calcium in food supplements and medicines.

Calcium carbonate is therefore a compound with a wide range of uses in various industries, and its natural presence in the form of deposits can have a significant impact on geological and ecological processes in nature.