Limestone - Glass & Household Products
You might not realize it, but you come in contact everyday with items that are manufactured utilizing calcium carbonate (limestone) products:
Glass: Limestone is the third main ingredient in glass manufacture. Calcium limestone or dolomitic limestone are used as fluxing materials in glass manufacturing. When lime is heated with silica sand, a solution is formed that hardens to an amorphous, clear solid… glass.
Paint: Calcium carbonate is also used as an extender in paints, in particular matte emulsion paint where almost a third of the paint is either chalk or marble.
Plastics and adhesives: Calcium carbonate is also widely used as a filler in plastics, thermosetting resins, even some types of molded "clay" poker chips. Fine ground calcium carbonate is an essential ingredient in the microporous film used in babies' diapers, adhesives, sealants, and in ceramics firing.
Paper: Calcium carbonate is used in the production of acid-free, glossy paper.
Swimming pool maintenance: Calcium carbonate is also used in swimming pools as a pH corrector for maintaining an alkalinity "buffer" to chlorine and acid chemicals used in the water.
Limestone is used in a
variety of everyday household items
variety of everyday household items