Product Overview & Executive Summary
USP Grade Heavy Magnesium Carbonate Powder - Product Datasheet & Specifications
Product Name: USP Grade Heavy Magnesium Carbonate Powder
Synonym: Dense Magnesium Carbonate, Heavy Magnesia Carbonate, Precipitated Basic Magnesium Carbonate
Chemical Formula: MgCO3
CAS Number: 546-93-0
EINECS Number: 208-915-9
Product Description
USP Grade Heavy Magnesium Carbonate Powder is a dense, high-purity white crystalline powder produced by controlled precipitation, filtration, and calcination of refined magnesium salts. It is characterized by a compact structure, higher bulk density, and excellent chemical purity, designed to meet demanding requirements across food, pharmaceutical, and technical-grade applications.
Unlike light magnesium carbonate, this heavy-grade version features enhanced particle cohesion, reduced porosity, and lower oil absorption, resulting in improved stability and precise performance in formulations where consistent density and flow control are essential. The product is odorless, chemically inert, and free from toxic impurities, offering exceptional compatibility in functional food ingredients, fillers, and industrial applications.
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Key Features
USP Grade Magnesium Carbonate: MgCO3 ≥ 98.5%, ensuring low impurity levels and stable physicochemical behavior.
High Bulk Density: Typically 0.4–0.7 g/cm³, providing better compaction and reduced dust formation.
Excellent Whiteness: ≥ 95%, ideal for applications requiring visual brightness.
Uniform Particle Size: D50 between 10–40 μm for balanced flow and reactivity.
Thermally Stable: Retains structure under heating; decomposes predictably into MgO at 400–600°C.
Low Moisture Absorption: Maintains free-flowing quality during long-term storage.
Detailed Technical Specifications & Analytical
Chemical Composition & Purity
| Parameter | Specification | Standard Grade | High Purity Grade | Test Method |
Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3) | ≥ 98.0% | 98.2–98.8% | ≥ 99.0% | Gravimetric |
| Magnesium Oxide (as MgO) | ≥ 40.0% | 40.2–40.5% | ≥ 41.0% | Titration |
Loss on Ignition (LOI) | ≤ 44.0% | 43.5% | ≤ 43.0% | 600°C ± 25°C |
Calcium (as CaO) | ≤ 0.30% | 0.20% | ≤ 0.10% | ICP-OES |
Iron (as Fe2O3) | ≤ 0.05% | 0.03% | ≤ 0.01% | Colorimetric |
Chlorides (as Cl) | ≤ 0.10% | 0.08% | ≤ 0.05% | Potentiometric |
| Sulfates (as SO4) | ≤ 0.20% | 0.15% | ≤ 0.10% | Gravimetric |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 0.005% | Complies | ≤ 0.002% | USP/EP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 0.0003% | Complies | ≤ 0.0001% | ICP-MS |
Physical Properties
Parameter | Specification / Typical Value | Test Method | Notes |
Appearance | White, fine crystalline powder | Visual | Odorless, dense texture |
Bulk Density (Loose) | 0.4–0.7 g/cm³ | ASTM B527 | Heavy grade formulation |
| Tapped Density | 0.8–1.0 g/cm³ | ASTM B527 | Compact particle packing |
| Specific Surface Area (BET) | 5–10 m²/g | BET | Lower surface reactivity |
Whiteness (CIE) | ≥ 95% | CIE Lab | High brightness |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 0.3% | Gravimetric | Enhanced storage stability |
| Oil Absorption | 20–35 g/100g | ASTM D281 | Reflects dense morphology |
| pH (10% Suspension) | 9.0–10.5 | Potentiometric | Mildly alkaline |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water | — | Soluble in dilute acids |
Key Characteristics & Functional Advantages
High Density & Compact Texture: Ideal for applications requiring controlled bulk density and precise volumetric dosing.
Thermal Decomposition Control: Produces consistent MgO yields with stable CO2 release during heating.
Low Porosity: Reduced moisture uptake and minimal surface adsorption, improving handling and storage.
Excellent Mechanical Stability: Particles maintain integrity during mixing and pneumatic conveying.
Consistent Chemical Composition: Stable magnesium content ensures predictable performance.
Environmentally Safe: Non-toxic, odorless, and compliant with international food and environmental standards.
Primary Applications & Industries Served
Food Industry: Used as a food additive (E504), anti-caking agent, and stabilizer in powdered food systems.
Pharmaceuticals: Serves as a mineral supplement, excipient, and mild antacid in formulations.
Rubber & Polymer Fillers: Provides heat resistance, dimensional stability, and reinforcement.
Ceramics & Refractories: Used as a raw material for dense magnesium oxide ceramics and sintered products.
Environmental & Chemical Applications: Employed as a CO2 absorbent and mild alkaline neutralizer.
Packaging, Storage & Handling
Packaging Options: 25 kg kraft paper bag with PE inner liner or 500/1000 kg jumbo bags; custom labeling available.
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated environment away from moisture and acids.
Shelf Life: 24 months when stored under sealed conditions.
Handling Precautions: Avoid generating dust during transfer; use protective gloves, goggles, and masks during operation.
Safety Information (Summary of SDS)
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS.
Hazard Statements: Inhalation of dust may cause minor irritation to eyes and respiratory tract.
First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation: Move person to fresh air; obtain medical attention if necessary.
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with clean water for at least 10 minutes.
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth and seek medical advice if large amounts are ingested.
Quality Assurance & Customization
Quality System: Produced under ISO 9001:2015 certified management.
Compliance: Conforms to FCC, GB 25588, REACH, and RoHS standards.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Provided with every shipment, detailing chemical and physical parameters.
Customization Options:
- Adjustable bulk density and particle fineness.
- Tailored surface characteristics for hydrophobic or high-reactivity applications.
- Optimized calcination profiles for MgO yield control.
- Custom packaging for specific customer or regulatory requirements.