Calcium carbonate
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate (pronunciation: /ˈkælsiəm ˌkɑːrbəˈneɪt/) is a chemical compound with the formula CaCO3. It is a common substance found in rocks as the minerals calcite and aragonite and is the main component of pearls and the shells of marine organisms, snails, and eggs.
Etymology
The term "calcium" originates from the Latin word 'calx' which means 'lime'. "Carbonate" is derived from the Latin word 'carbonatus' which means 'carbonated' or 'containing carbon'.
Related Terms
- Calcite: A carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate.
- Aragonite: A carbonate mineral, one of the three most common naturally occurring crystal forms of calcium carbonate.
- Pearl: A hard, glistening object produced within the soft tissue of a living shelled mollusk or another animal, primarily composed of calcium carbonate.
- Lime (material): A calcium-containing inorganic mineral composed primarily of oxides, and hydroxide, usually calcium oxide and/ or calcium hydroxide.
Uses
Calcium carbonate is used in a wide variety of applications, including as a dietary supplement for calcium, as an antacid, as a base in many industrial processes, and in the manufacture of cement and glass.
Health Effects
Calcium carbonate is generally considered safe for human consumption. However, excessive intake can lead to hypercalcemia, which can cause health problems such as kidney stones and heart disease.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Calcium carbonate
- Wikipedia's article - Calcium carbonate
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