Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is one of those ubiquitous chemicals we take for granted. Nearly 4% of the Earth’s crust is composed of calcium carbonate, and the majority of that is derived from the breakdown of prehistoric animals. Find out how Tampa food ingredient supplier Bell Chem’s pure calcium carbonate can enhance your enterprise. 

With time and pressure, calcium carbonate transforms into limestone, chalk, and dolomite, although dolomite contains magnesium carbonates as well as calcium carbonate. Each of these types of calcium carbonate has different functions.

• As a filler: Calcium carbonate bulks up costlier products, making them less expensive without impeding the integrity of the product. Approximately 30% of the weight of many paints is calcium carbonate. Used as an ingredient in adhesives, coatings, paints, paper, plastic, and sealants, it also brightens these products as it acts as a coating pigment. 

• As a brightener: The paper industry relies on calcium carbonate for bright white opaque paper because of its light scattering capabilities.

• As a dietary supplement: The strong hydrochloric acid in the human stomach is neutralized with a calcium carbonate supplement in the form of an antacid. Calcium carbonate also bonds with phosphate or another base component to create supplements or medicine in tablet form. Animal feeds, such as chicken crumble, also contain calcium carbonate; in this case it aids in the production of strong shells. For other animals, it maintains pH levels and supplements the dietary needs of animals.

• As a pH balancer: Many products, such as baking powder or toothpaste, find calcium carbonate a reliable remedy for escalating acidity. Even foods and beverages, such as dessert mixes, dough products, and wine, contain calcium carbonate for this reason. In man made water systems and wastewater plants, calcium carbonate also maintains a proper pH balance.

• As a water treatment: As the Earth becomes more polluted with acid rain, many lakes and ponds are no longer able to properly support life. Scientists have found that infusing these waters with powdered calcium carbonate prevents these ecosystems from dying. 

• As a building material: Calcium carbonate is a beautiful mineral used for building and facades in the form of marble. It is also added to cement and mortar as foundations and bonders. As it decomposes, it releases lime, which is used in the manufacture of glass, paper, and steel.

 Bell Chem is your Tampa food ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including calcium 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.