Calcium Carbonate Prices

Chart Description. Intratec provides Calcium Carbonate prices in several countries, as follows:

Chart Instructions. Hover the mouse over the series to view the respective Calcium Carbonate prices plotted. You can filter a given Calcium Carbonate price series by clicking on the respective legend label, right above the chart.

About Calcium Carbonate. Calcium Carbonate (a.k.a. CaCO3) is a non-toxic and odorless inorganic salt, commonly found as a white mineral (calcite) which occurs naturally in chalks, limestones and marbles. These rocks are classified as limestones, a general term used for a rock containing varying proportions of calcite and dolomite. In nature, it can also be found as the main component of shells, pearls and eggs. The quality of Calcium Carbonate depends on some factors: purity, whiteness, homogeneity, and thickness. Calcium carbonate is a very versatile mineral filler and has in a wide variety of applications, most notably in the paper, construction and food industries.

Chemical Formula. CaCO3

Commercial Grades. Precipitated calcium carbonate - PCC (smaller, more pure crystal); ground calcium carbonate -GCC (bigger, less pure crystals)

Uses. Calcium Carbonate is largely employed in the pulp and paper industry. It can be used as a filler and pigment, making possible the production of a whiter, higher quality pigment than other minerals. In the construction industry, Calcium Carbonate is used as a filler in concrete, increasing its durability and appearance, and to purify metals for use in construction applications. Other application of Calcium Carbonate is in fertilizers, to provide calcium to plants and pH stabilization of the soil. Calcium Carbonate can also be an additive to food products for livestock animals and humans, and a as supplement in vitamins. In water and sewer treatment plants, Calcium Carbonate is employed in the removal of acidity and impurities. Finally, Calcium Carbonate can be found in some amount in several other products, like glass, ceramics, chalk, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It also works as a plasticizer, sulfur dioxide remover and oral care agent.

Raw Materials & Production Processes.

• Limestone (marble or chalk) (ore purification)
• Carbon dioxide + calcium hydroxide (precipitated process)
• Calcium chloride + sodium carbonate (precipitated process)

To know more about Calcium Carbonate production processes, click here.

Methodology. The pricing data presented are, if not otherwise indicated, volume-weighted average transaction prices including contract and spot transactions in the locations specified. The information provided is obtained from gathering and refining of trade data officially reported for the respective countries (i.e., governmental agencies, institutions related to foreign trade and industry publications). For further details check our Methodology.