Calcium Carbonate is CRAZY Cool!

Calcium Carbonate, have you heard of it? No? What if I said chalk, marble, or shells? The answer would probably be yes! 

The truth is Calcium Carbonate is all around us and is a compound that primarily comes from many natural sources.  These sources include, mineral forms, impure mineral forms, and also many types of shells. It is possible to make Calcium Carbonate from chemical reactions as well, and it requires two reactions.  The first reaction is Calcium Oxide and Water which turns into Calcium Hydroxide. The next step is to combine Calcium Hydroxide with Carbon Dioxide which will produce Calcium Carbonate and water. The most common way that Calcium Carbonate is obtained is through mining and quarries. 

Toxic you may ask? No! Calcium Carbonate has an extremely high LD50 which means it is not very toxic to humans.  However, as with most substances, if too much is taken there are dangers! Some health risks are Hypercalcemia or Milk-alkali syndrome. 

The coolness of Calcium Carbonate lies in its properties and many uses.  Calcium Carbonate is very white which makes it useful for paint, paper, coatings, and plastics. It is also odourless and tasteless. Calcium Carbonate is an antacid which means it can relieve stomach acidity.  Finally, Calcium Carbonate contains calcium (obviously)!  Calcium is extremely beneficial for our health, and Calcium Carbonate is a good supplement to provide our body with adequate levels of calcium. 

Tums are essentially calcium carbonate and these pills relieve stomach acid. There are a few alternatives to Calcium Carbonate which achieve the same effect. The first is Nexium, which is an adequate substitute, however, it also brings along with it some health risks. The second substitute is aspirin which is also an adequate substitute, but it needs to be taken multiple times a day. 

Be careful when taking Calcium Carbonate supplements as overdosing can result in kidney stones and other health risks. 

Calcium Carbonate is a CRAZY cool chemical compound that is found all over nature. The compound is extremely useful and is also beneficial for our health. Examine your daily life and find out where you use Calcium Carbonate!