Commercial Production of Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is produced commercially in two different grades. Both grades compete industrially based primarily on particle size and the characteristics imparted to a product.
1. GCC (Ground Calcium Carbonate) Produced via extraction and processing of naturally occurring deposits. GCC crystal shape is irregularly rhombohedral and has a broader size distribution.
Read more: How is calcium carbonate extracted?2. PCC (Precipitated Calcium Carbonate) Produced via chemical precipitation via a carbocation process or as a by-product of some bulk chemical processes. PCC crystal shape depends on the product and the particles are more uniform and regular with a narrow size distribution.
PCC has smaller particles has a higher purity is less abrasive and tends to have higher brightness than GCC.