Magnesium carbonate is a basic hydrated magnesium carbonate or a normal hydrated magnesium carbonate. It occurs as light, white, friable masses, or as a bulky, white powder. It is odorless, and is stable in air. It is practically insoluble in water, to which, however, it imparts a slightly alkaline reaction. It is insoluble in alcohol, but is dissolved by dilute acids with effervescence.
Magnesium carbonate is a GRAS substance under the provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations as miscellaneous and/or general purpose food additives. Magnesium carbonate is listed as GRAS substances migrating to food from paper and paperboard products used in food packaging.
As a general purpose food additive, magnesium carbonate is used as alkali in adjusting the acidity of foods. In addition to the foregoing, magnesium carbonate, the most widely used magnesium salt, serves as a drying agent, bleach ingredient, anticaking agent and carrier for other additives. Other uses of magnesium salts include firming agents, lubricants, flavor enhancers, and processing aids. Pharmaceutically, carbonate is used as antacids.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for plants and animals and is a natural constituent of fruits, vegetables, grain, meats and sea foods. It is the fourth most abundant cation in the human body and the second most plentiful intracellularly. The average 60-kg human adult body contains about 24 g magnesium of which about one-half resides in bone. Although plasma levels vary between 1.7 and 3.0 mg per dl, very little is contained in extracellular fluid. Magnesium is essential for the production and transfer of energy, for protein, fat, and nucleic acid synthesis, for contractility in muscle and excitability in nerve, and for the activity of numerous enzyme systems.
| Magnesium carbonate hydroxide Chemical Properties |
| density | 2.16 |
| RTECS | FG1797000 |
| storage temp. | 2-8°C |
| form | Solid |
| color | White |
| Odor | at 100.00%. odorless |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol. |
| Merck | 14,5660 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CH2O3.2Mg.2H2O.2H/c2-1(3)4;;;;;;/h(H2,2,3,4);;;2*1H2;;/q;;+2;;;;/p-2 |
| InChIKey | LMMTXHUCDIPKDU-UHFFFAOYSA-J |
| SMILES | C(O)(O)=O.[Mg](O)O.[Mg] |
| LogP | -0.809 (est) |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 39409-82-0(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Magnesium hydroxide carbonate (39409-82-0) |
| Safety Information |
| Safety Statements | 22-24/25 |
| WGK Germany | 3 |
| TSCA | Yes |
| HS Code | 28369910 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
Basic Product Information
CAS Number: 39409-82-0
Chemical Formula: CH₆Mg₂O₅
Synonyms:
Carbonic acid, magnesium salt (1:1), mixt. with magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), hydrate
MAGNESIUMCARBONATEBASIC,HEAVY,FCC
Magnesium carbonate basic purum p.a., heavy, >=40% (MgO)
Appearance: White powder, heavy grade with high bulk density, low dusting and good free-flowing property
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): 1 FCL (Full Container Load)
Core Product Characteristics
This heavy basic magnesium carbonate features higher bulk density than light type magnesium carbonate, which reduces storage volume and improves formulation compactness during production. It maintains stable physical properties under normal ambient conditions and does not decompose easily at room temperature. When reacting with dilute acid, it releases carbon dioxide gently. Its low solubility in water brings mild alkaline buffering capacity without strong corrosivity.

Heavy grade powder has excellent anti-caking performance, making it ideal for powder premix, tablet pressing and dry blending processes. It meets FCC food grade and laboratory analytical grade requirements, with strict control of heavy metal, arsenic and impurity content for food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Application Scenarios
Food & Food Packaging Industry
It works as acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, drying agent and additive carrier in food formulations. Approved GRAS status allows its use in food contact paper and paperboard packaging materials. It prevents powder raw materials from agglomeration during storage and transportation, and stabilizes pH value in food systems. It can also serve as magnesium fortification source in dietary food formulas.
Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Industry
It acts as antacid raw material to neutralize excess gastric acid for oral pharmaceutical preparations. As tablet excipient, heavy magnesium carbonate improves tablet hardness and reduces friability in direct compression formulas. It is also applied in nutritional supplements to supply bioavailable magnesium, supporting human mineral balance.
Industrial & Material Fields
It functions as functional filler and flame-retardant additive for rubber, plastic and polymer products, improving heat resistance and smoke suppression performance. It is widely used in ceramic manufacturing, cosmetic powder formulations, toothpaste raw materials and fire-extinguishing compound production. In manufacturing, it can be used as lubricant and processing aid to optimize material forming.
Agricultural Nutrition
Magnesium is a key element for chlorophyll synthesis. Basic magnesium carbonate can be used as slow-release magnesium fertilizer additive, supplying magnesium nutrition for crops and improving photosynthesis efficiency of plants.
Packaging, Storage & Transportation
Standard Packaging
Standard package: 25kg composite kraft paper bag with inner PE moisture-proof liner. Ton bulk bag is available for large volume orders. Customized printing of shipping marks and logo can be offered for long-term partners.
Storage Guidelines
Store in cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse. Keep bags tightly sealed to avoid moisture absorption. Keep away from strong acids and strong oxidizing agents. Avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Separate storage from toxic materials. Recommended storage temperature is 15–30°C.
Shipping Information
This product is non-hazardous goods for sea freight. Prevent package tearing and rain soaking during transit. Do not ship together with strong acid, toxic or edible raw materials. We will apply complete export shipping marks on each package for smooth customs clearance.
Quality Control & Documentation
Each batch is sampled and tested before shipment. We test MgO content, whiteness, bulk density, heavy metal and loss on ignition to meet FCC specification. Available documents include COA, MSDS, packing list, commercial invoice and certificate of origin. Third-party inspection like SGS or BV can be arranged upon buyer’s request. All batch test records are archived for full traceability.
Pre-sales & After-sales Service
Pre-sales Service
We offer lab samples for formulation test before bulk purchase. Our technical team can provide grade selection guidance and formulation advice for food, pharma and industrial formulas. Quotation can be offered under FOB, CIF, CFR and DAP terms. Payment terms can be negotiated for long-term cooperation.
In-order Tracking
Dedicated sales staff updates production, inspection and loading progress regularly. Customer can arrange factory visit or loading supervision.
After-sales Support
Online support for order and technical questions. If quality non-conformity caused by our production is verified after cargo arrival, we will discuss solutions including replacement, replenishment or compensation according to contract. Continuous technical guidance for storage and formulation application is available.
Customer Cooperation Cases
Our heavy basic magnesium carbonate (FCC grade) has been exported to Asia, Middle East and Africa. Our customers include food additive factories, nutritional supplement manufacturers, pharmaceutical excipient suppliers, plastic and rubber material producers. Many clients select our heavy grade because of stable bulk density, low heavy metal index and consistent batch quality. We are familiar with chemical and food additive import documentation requirements of different countries.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between heavy magnesium carbonate and light magnesium carbonate?
A: Heavy grade has higher bulk density, less dust and smaller occupied volume, suitable for tablet pressing and dense powder premix. Light grade features fluffy structure and large specific surface area, usually used for low-density filler. They cannot replace each other directly in formulas.
Q2: Is this product compliant for food additive export?
A: Yes. It is FCC grade and GRAS listed. We can provide full set of compliance documents for customs and local food authority inspection. Heavy metal and harmful impurity are strictly controlled.
Q3: Can magnesium carbonate be mixed with strong acid directly?
A: Not recommended for direct mixing. It will react with acid and release CO₂ with effervescence, which may cause overflow. Add it slowly under stirring if needed.
Q4: How to avoid caking during storage?
A: Keep packages sealed and store in dry warehouse. Avoid high humidity environment. Do not stack bags too high for long time.
Q5: What is your MOQ?
A: Bulk order MOQ is 1 FCL. Samples are available for lab testing before bulk order.
Why Choose Us
We are an experienced chemical raw material exporter supplying FCC grade heavy basic magnesium carbonate. Stable production ensures consistent indicators batch by batch. We provide complete export documents and professional logistics arrangement. Our technical team supports formula adjustment for food, pharma and industrial applications. Customized indicators and packaging can be negotiated for long-term contracts.
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