What Is Magnesium Carbonate?

Magnesium carbonate is found in limestone.
••• Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kevin Walsh

Magnesium carbonate is an odorless white powder with several industrial uses. It occurs in nature or as a manufactured substance.

Identification

The chemical formula for magnesium carbonate is MgCO3. It is slightly alkaline, rather than acidic.

Types

In nature, magnesium carbonate occurs in the minerals magnesite and dolomite and in most limestones. Adding carbon dioxide to magnesium compounds produces manufactured magnesium carbonate.

Function

Manufacturers use magnesium carbonate to insulate boilers and pipes against heat and in drugs, including antacids and laxatives. It is also an additive for food, makeup, glass, ink and rubber.

Effects

Magnesium carbonate does not dissolve in water, but will dissolve and effervesce in dilute acids.

Fun Fact

The Morton Salt company added magnesium carbonate to its table salt in 1911 to keep the product from caking in wet conditions. The slogan, "When it rains, it pours," comes from that development.

Related Articles

Difference Between Sodium Chlorite & Sodium Chloride
What Is Magnesium Carbonate Used For?
Commercial Uses of Sodium Polyacrylate
Neoprene Vs. Natural Rubber
Uses of Potassium Hydroxide
Citric Acid Powder Uses
Common Uses for Magnesium Oxide
Sodium Carbonate Vs. Sodium Bicarbonate
How to Use Propylene Glycol
What Is the Usage of Sodium Tripolyphosphate?
What Is Disodium Diphosphate?
Uses of Sodium Metasilicate
What Is Propylene Glycol
What Is Oleoresin Capsicum?
How to Make Calcium Carbide
Does Oil Dissolve Rubber Gloves?
Differences Between Borax and Borateem
The Common Uses for Tartaric Acid
What Is Lexan Glass?
List of Ingredients in Perricone MD Cold Plasma

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!