Calcium Carbonate: Properties, Uses and Grade Selection
Understand calcium carbonate specific gravity and bulk density, compare GCC and PCC, and review particle-size and surface-treatment data for industrial grade selection.
Overview
Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is used as a mineral filler and industrial raw material in applications including polymers, coatings and paper. Ground calcium carbonate (GCC) is mechanically processed from natural mineral sources; precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) is produced by precipitation. Grade selection depends on particle characteristics and the application—not the formula alone.
Specific gravity or bulk density: which do you need?
Specific gravity has no unit. For example, Omya’s SNOWHITE 17-PT page reports specific gravity of 2.71, loose bulk density of 0.8 g/cm³ and tapped bulk density of 1.5 g/cm³. These are distinct measurements for that named product, not guaranteed values for all CaCO₃ or a PLAXRAW shipment. Bulk density includes particle voids and changes with packing; specify the measurement method when calculating storage or feeding requirements.
GCC or PCC: how should you choose?
GCC and PCC differ in production route and available particle characteristics. Compare particle-size distribution, morphology, surface area, impurities and surface treatment. Neither category is universally better: the proposed grade must meet the process and finished-product requirements.
What do D50, D97 and surface treatment tell you?
D50 and D97 describe points in the reported particle-size distribution; compare results obtained on the same distribution basis and test method. The coarse fraction can matter even when D50 is similar. Check whether the grade is coated or uncoated and how the treatment interacts with the polymer or binder. A finer particle size alone does not prove better dispersion or lower viscosity.
Can it replace talc or titanium dioxide?
Calcium carbonate, talc and titanium dioxide serve different formulation roles. Extender performance and pigment spacing depend on the complete coating; no fixed TiO₂ saving or universal cost reduction follows from adding CaCO₃. Compare opacity, rheology, mechanical performance and total formulation cost in a documented trial.
Which documents and tests support grade approval?
Request the grade’s TDS, SDS, particle-size test method, moisture and relevant batch analysis. Set application-specific limits and trial criteria. Food, feed or pharmaceutical uses require their own suitability and compliance evidence; an industrial grade name is insufficient. The reference properties below should not be read as universal specifications.
Sources and scope
- Omya SNOWHITE 17-PT: specific gravity and bulk-density example
- Omya HAKUENKA CCR-S10: treated PCC grade data
Manufacturer products and research results cited here are reference examples, not specifications or certifications for a PLAXRAW grade.
Content updated:
Key Applications
The material's role changes by industry — click any industry to see its full page.
Physical Properties
| Property | Typical Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | CaCO₃ | Definitional |
| Specific Gravity | ≈ 2.71 | Typical published value — LKAB Minerals |
| Loose Bulk Density (reference product) | ≈ 0.80 g/cm³ | Typical published value — LKAB Minerals |
| Refractive Index | ≈ 1.59 | Typical published value — LKAB Minerals |
| Specific Surface Area | ≈ 2.0 m²/g | Typical published value — LKAB Minerals |
| Whiteness | Up to ≈ 97 | Typical published value — LKAB Minerals |
These are typical published values for the material in general, not a certificate of analysis (COA) for a specific shipment. Actual per-batch values are set by the COA accompanying supply.
Grades
Commercial Grades Available for Supply
Grade and Specification Guide
These reference codes illustrate grade categories and specifications for comparison and selection. The commercial grade and final specification are determined by your application requirements, the technical data sheet and the batch certificate of analysis.
Standards & Technical References
Every claim on this page traces back to a verifiable reference:
- [Primary source] Omya SNOWHITE 17-PT: specific gravity and bulk-density example — https://products.omya.com/products/snowhite-17-pt
- [Primary source] Omya HAKUENKA CCR-S10: treated PCC grade data — https://www.omya.com/Documents/SOG/HakuenkaCCRS10.pdf
- Tier 1StandardASTM D1199-86(2020) — Standard Specification for Calcium Carbonate Pigments
- Tier 1StandardASTM C1797-23a — Standard Specification for Ground Calcium Carbonate and Aggregate Mineral Fillers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete
- Tier 1Government PublicationUSGS — Limestone: A Crucial and Versatile Industrial Mineral Commodity
- Tier 2Industry AssociationIMA Europe — Calcium Carbonate (CCA-Europe)
- Tier 2University/ResearchSurface modification of calcium carbonate: A review of theories, methods and applications — Journal of Central South University (Springer)
- Tier 3Global SupplierOmya — Calcium Carbonate in Engineered Materials
- Tier 3Reference BookPeter A. Ciullo — Industrial Minerals and Their Uses: A Handbook and Formulary
- Tier 3Industry Batch ReferenceSoda-lime glass furnace batch composition sheet (client-supplied, 2026) — limestone at 10-13% of batch weight as the CaO source
- Tier 3Global SupplierLKAB Minerals — Typical Physical Properties of Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC)
- Tier 3Global SupplierLKAB Minerals — Fineness in Ground Calcium Carbonate (D50/D97 definitions, https://www.lkabminerals.com/news/fineness-in-ground-calcium-carbonate/)
- Tier 3Global SupplierKaranwal Lime Chem — Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC) Specifications (CaCO3 assay, brightness, pH, particle-size range, https://www.karanwallimechem.com/products/gcc)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does calcium carbonate specific gravity have units?
No. Specific gravity is dimensionless; density in g/cm³ and loose or tapped bulk density are separate measurements.
Is PCC always better than GCC?
No. Compare particle distribution, morphology, surface treatment and tested application performance for the actual grades.
Does adding CaCO₃ guarantee a fixed cost saving?
No. Measure total formulation cost and required performance in a documented trial.
