magnesium carbonate

chemical compound

Also known as: magnesia alba

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Magnesium carbonate is a chemical compound with the formula MgCO₃. It occurs naturally as the minerals magnesite and dolomite. This white, crystalline salt is a carbonate of magnesium.12

Magnesium itself is an alkaline-earth metal and the lightest structural metal. Its compounds are vital for life and widely used in construction and medicine. Magnesium carbonate has various industrial applications, including use as a heat insulator and as an additive in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, rubber, inks, and glass. It was historically used to make table salt free-flowing in humid conditions due to its hygroscopic nature and insolubility in water.2

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playa
Saline minerals
…are calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃). These form the outer “bathtub ring.” The next ring consists of sulfates of calcium and sodium (CaSO₄ and Na₂SO₄, respectively). If sufficient calcium is present, gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) will form. If less calcium is present, thenardite (Na₂SO₄) and sodium carbonate
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…are calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃). These form the outer “bathtub ring.” The next ring consists of sulfates of calcium and sodium (CaSO₄ and Na₂SO₄, respectively). If sufficient calcium is present, gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) will form. If less calcium is present, thenardite (Na₂SO₄) and sodium carbonate
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magnesium
Principal compounds
Magnesium carbonate, MgCO₃, occurs in nature as the mineral magnesite and is an important source of elemental magnesium. It can be produced artificially by the action of carbon dioxide on a variety of magnesium compounds. The odourless white powder has many industrial uses—e.g., as a…
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Magnesium carbonate, MgCO₃, occurs in nature as the mineral magnesite and is an important source of elemental magnesium. It can be produced artificially by the action of carbon dioxide on a variety of magnesium compounds. The odourless white powder has many industrial uses—e.g., as a…
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Joseph Black
Education
…magnesia alba, now known as magnesium carbonate. The work had to have a medical connection, so Black described the application of this substance to minor digestive disorders. His medical degree was awarded in 1754.
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…magnesia alba, now known as magnesium carbonate. The work had to have a medical connection, so Black described the application of this substance to minor digestive disorders. His medical degree was awarded in 1754.
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