A white solid material which occurs in nature as a mineral is known as magnesium carbonate which also has variety of uses. The most common form of magnesium carbonate is called as magnesite which is also termed as anhydrous salt which is practically insoluble in water, acetone and ammonia and all forms of magnesium carbonate react in acid. Magnesite and dolomite minerals are used for producing magnesium metal and also used in basic refractory bricks. Magnesium carbonate is very popularly referred to as chalk which is used as a drying agent for hands in rock climbing, gymnastics and weight lifting. Magnesium carbonate is also used in taxidermy for whitening of the skull as it can be mixed with the hydrogen peroxide to create as paste which is then spread on the skull to give a white finish.Magnesium carbonate is not toxic but its excessive use may cause central nervous system depression and also cardiac disturbances and also is hazardous in case of skin and eye contact which might also cause respiratory and digestive tract irritation. Heavy magnesium carbonate is known for its unique properties and applicability for various industrial applications. Magnesium carbonate is very much used as filler material which is also smoke suppressant in plastics and drying agent which is a laxative to loosen the bowels and color retention. Another type is the light magnesium carbonate which is prepared under safe conditions and also used as raw material for manufacturing of tobacco products and pharmaceutical products.
Magnesium carbonate is an odorless powder which has many industrial uses as it occurs in nature or as a manufactured substance. The types of magnesium carbonate are minerals magnesite, dolomite and in most limestone. Magnesium carbonate is used for insulating boilers and pipes against heat and in drugs. Magnesium carbonate is used as an oral supplement for people with their low magnesium in their blood. Most of the hand chalk which are used by athletes like gymnasts, rock climbers and weightlifters who use to dry their hands in magnesium carbonate the reason why it is being used. The other element in which magnesium carbonate is used is insulation and desiccant.
