pyrotechnics-revived/chapters/99-1-chemical-calcium-carbonate.md

Calcium carbonate

Formula

CaCO3

Pyrotechnic use

Colorant

Synonyms

Precipitated chalk, Limestone, Calcite, Carbonic acid calcium salt.

Description

Colorless powder. It slowly reacts with NH4ClO4 in presence of moisture. Calcium carbonate is often used in toy fireworks as a cheap substitute for strontium salts, but the flame is reddish orange and not so beautiful as e.g. with SrCO3.

Sources

A cheap source is the ceramics supply. Price is about $3/kg for the technical grade. you can also get it easely by powdering clean egg shells.

Hazards

Xi

Dust may cause irritation to eyes, skin or respiratory system. Wear gloves, protection goggles and dust mask when manipulating fine powder.