RCF WHITE CALCITE (DTT)

RCF Calcite is a calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) mineral with 56% CaO and 44% CO₂ when pure. Impurities of Mg, Fe and Mn are common. Calcite occurs in many varieties of hexagonal crystal systems and is transparent, translucent and opaque, from white through nearly all colours to black. Deposits frequently occur in caverns. Large compact deposits are called marbles and compact crypt crystalline rocks often with fossil fauna are called limestone. Friable calcite with minute farminefera shells is known as chalk.

CaCO₃…………………..96.76%

CaO…………………………54.70%

MgO …..……………….…1.16%

MgCO₃……………………..2.43%

CaSO4……….……………0.10%

Fe₂O₃ ……………………0.21%

AI₂O₃ ……………………0.10%

SiO₂ .……………………….0.23%

LOI ………………………..42.76%

Moisture:                                        <0.2%

SG:                                                         2.7%

Hardness (Mohs):                               3

pH:                                                               9

Refractive Index:                               1,6

Bulk Density:                                        1,0

(Loose) g/cm³:

g/cm³(packed):

Whiteness ELREPHO                       97

Oil Absorption:                                   11%

The level of chemical impurities in calcite deposits, and the proximity to the market determine the usefulness. Calcite crystals or iceland spar are used in the manufacture of optical instruments. Satin spar and onyx marble are used as ornamental stones and gem materials. Other uses are:

(i) in the chemical industry for fertiliser manufacture, soda, caustic soda, and chloride of lime production;

(ii) in the metallurgical industry as a flux in ferro chrome, steel and other furnaces;

(iii) in making slaked lime;

(iv) in agricultural lime and

(v) as a filler and extender in rubber, paint and other industries.

The list of other applications is endless.