White Limestone Powder

Chemical Description: Limestone Powder

• Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium Carbonate

• Common Names: Limestone, Ground Calcium Carbonate (GCC)

• CAS Number: 1317-65-3

• Chemical Formula: CaCO₃

• Molecular Weight: 100.09 g/mol

• Physical State: Solid (powder)

• Appearance: White or off-white fine powder

• Odor: Odorless

Structure

• Crystal Structure: Typically calcite form (rhombohedral crystals)

• Composition: Pure CaCO₃, though natural limestone may contain small amounts of MgCO₃, clay, or silica.

Physical & Chemical Properties

• Density: 2.71 g/cm³ (bulk density varies 0.9–1.5 g/cm³ for powder)

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in dilute acids forming CO₂

• Melting Point: Decomposes at ~825 °C into CaO (quicklime) and CO₂

• pH: Slightly alkaline in water (pH ~8–9 for slurries)

Uses

• Construction & Building: Cement, mortar, concrete, and road base material

• Agriculture: Soil conditioner and lime fertilizer (to neutralize acidity)

• Industrial: Flux in steel production, glass manufacturing, and paper production

• Chemical Industry: Precursor for calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, and other compounds

• Environmental Applications: Water treatment, flue gas desulfurization, and neutralization of acidic wastewater

Hazards / Safety

• Health Hazards:

  • Generally non-toxic, but inhalation of fine dust may irritate the respiratory tract

  • Can cause eye irritation if dust contacts the eyes

• Fire Hazards: Non-flammable

• Environmental Hazards: Low environmental impact; safe in controlled disposal

Handling & Storage

• Store in dry, covered areas to prevent moisture absorption

• Use dust masks and goggles when handling large quantities to avoid respiratory or eye irritation

• Avoid inhalation of airborne dust

Summary:
Limestone powder is a naturally occurring, versatile mineral primarily composed of calcium carbonate, widely used in construction, agriculture, industry, and environmental management. It is generally safe but can cause dust-related irritation if not handled properly.

If you want, I can make a compact industrial chemical sheet / MSDS-style summary for Limestone Powder with handling, PPE, chemical properties, and applications, ready for reference.