Product Overview & Executive Summary
USP Grade Light Magnesium Carbonate Powder - Product Datasheet & Specifications
Product Name: USP Grade Light Magnesium Carbonate Powder
Synonym: Light Magnesia Carbonate, Precipitated Magnesium Carbonate, Basic Magnesium
Chemical Formula: MgCO3
CAS Number: 546-93-0
EINECS Number: 208-915-9
Product Description
USP Grade Light Magnesium Carbonate Powder is a fine, lightweight, highly pure white powder obtained from refined magnesium salts through precipitation, drying, and micronization. This product is characterized by low bulk density, high surface area, and excellent chemical stability, designed for food, pharmaceutical, and technical applications requiring superior purity and safety.
The powder exhibits soft texture, uniform fineness, and exceptional dispersibility, ensuring easy blending with other ingredients. Its low moisture absorption, odorless nature, and neutral taste make it particularly suitable for food formulations, dietary supplements, and cosmetic preparations. When calcined, it transforms into high-activity magnesium oxide, serving as a precursor for advanced MgO-based materials.
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Key Features
High Purity Composition: Magnesium carbonate content ≥98.5%, ensuring minimal contamination by heavy metals or soluble salts.
Light Bulk Density: Typically 0.12–0.25 g/cm³, facilitating homogeneous dispersion in dry mixtures.
Excellent Whiteness: ≥96%, providing brightness and opacity in finished formulations.
Fine Particle Control: Consistent average particle size (D50) between 3–10 μm for optimal reactivity and texture.
Chemical Inertness: Stable under normal environmental conditions; insoluble in water but reactive with acids.
Thermal Conversion: Converts to active magnesium oxide at moderate temperatures (400–600°C).
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, free-flowing |
Bulk Density (Loose) | 0.12–0.25 g/cm³ | ASTM B527 | Light grade structure |
| Tapped Density | 0.25–0.40 g/cm³ | ASTM B527 | — |
| Specific Surface Area (BET) | 5–20 m²/g | BET | Lower surface area vs. powder |
Whiteness | ≥ 95% | CIE Lab | — |
| Flowability | Excellent | ASTM D1238 | No bridging or blocking |
| Oil Absorption | 40–70 g/100g | ASTM D281 | Porous structure |
| pH (10% Suspension) | 9.5–10.5 | Potentiometric | Slightly alkaline |
| Solubility | insoluble in water | — | Soluble in dilute acids |
Key Characteristics & Functional Advantages
Exceptional Flowability: Fine, fluffy texture ensures easy blending in powder formulations.
High Reactivity After Calcination: Produces highly active MgO suitable for technical and pharmaceutical applications.
Moisture Resistance: Maintains free-flowing condition even under humid environments.
Non-toxic & Safe: Meets food-grade safety standards (FCC, GB, EU).
Enhanced Absorption: Porous microstructure provides high surface area for adsorption or carrier applications.
Thermal Decomposition Control: Ensures uniform CO2 release during heating, ideal for controlled calcination.
Primary Applications & Industries Served
Food Additives & Nutritional Supplements: Used as an anti-caking agent (E504), stabilizer, and magnesium fortifier.
Pharmaceuticals: Functions as a mild antacid, filler, and carrier for active ingredients.
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Provides smooth texture, oil absorption, and whiteness enhancement in powders and creams.
Ceramics & Thermal Materials: Used as precursor for fine MgO in refractories and ceramic formulations.
Environmental Applications: Serves as a gentle neutralizing and adsorption medium for acidic gases and impurities.
Packaging, Storage & Handling
Packaging Options: 25 kg multi-layer kraft paper bags with inner PE liner, or 500/1000 kg bulk bags. Customized labeling available.
Storage: Keep in dry, well-ventilated areas, away from moisture and acids.
Shelf Life: 24 months under sealed, original packaging conditions.
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; wear protective gloves, mask, and goggles during handling.
Safety Information (Summary of SDS)
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS.
Hazard Statements: Dust may cause mild irritation to eyes and respiratory tract.
First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical help if symptoms persist.
- Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with clean water for at least 10 minutes.
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; consult a physician if large quantities are swallowed.
Quality Assurance & Customization
Quality System: Produced under ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing.
Regulatory Compliance: Meets FCC, GB 25588, REACH, RoHS, and ASTM standards.
Certificate of Analysis: Provided with each batch for chemical and physical conformity.
Customization Options:
- Adjustable bulk density (0.12–0.25 g/cm³).
- Tailored particle size distribution and surface area.
- Special surface treatment for hydrophobicity or improved dispersibility.
- Modified calcination parameters for high-activity MgO generation.