What is Copper Carbonate?

Copper carbonate (Cu2CO3(OH)2) is a water insoluble chemical created when copper loses the electrons in its outermost shell. Also known as copper (II) carbonate, carbonic acid, and copper monocarbonate, copper carbonate converts quickly to copper salts. USP ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s customers use copper carbonate in jewelry metallurgy, wood preservation, pesticides, and more. 

Agriculture

Copper carbonate is used frequently in fertilizer as well as in fungicides, insecticides, pesticides — where it acts as an anti-pathogenic — and in aquaculture where it controls unwanted foliage. Rather than adding copper carbonate to fertilizer, manufacturers may add this important nutrient to the seeds as they are packaged. The cost of copper carbonate at this point is significantly lower than adding it to soil, reducing overall expenses. Animal feed, specifically poultry and ruminant feed, often has added copper carbonate since these animals rely on copper as a supplemental nutrient.

Woodworking and Ceramics

Micronized copper wood treatment consists of tiny copper carbonate particles suspended in a final treatment solution (often containing ammonia) for preserving wood and timber. Copper carbonate also helps with ceramic products. Before ceramics are fired, a glaze is often added to retain color and give a finished look to the product. Adding copper carbonate to the glaze creates a seafoam sheen to the ceramic. Applying copper carbonate plus an alkaline generates a bluer hue.

Other Uses of Copper Carbonate

Copper carbonate helps with the creation of many products, as well as helping along the scientific process. Here are a few more examples of its range of uses:

• Laboratories: Copper carbonate catalyzes copper chromite, which breaks down fatty methyl esters in the production of fatty alcohols. 

• Paints: In artist’s palettes, copper carbonate creates the sought-after colors verditer and mountain green. 

• Petroleum: Adding nitric acid to copper carbonate produces copper chloride, important in the process of “oil sweetening”, or purifying oil of its sulfur components.

• Pyrotechnics: Companies manufacturing fireworks use copper carbonate for a stellar blue sparkle to pyrotechnic displays. 

Bell Chem is a USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including copper carbonate. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.