Question

Give the formula of magnesium carbonate.

Answer 1

We know that magnesium carbonate is an inorganic salt that is $MgC{O_3}$ and it is also known as Magnesite or Hydromagnesite or Barringtonite. Hydrated magnesite is present as minerals and they serve as a fertilizer and as an antacid. It’s extensively used in the preparation of materials that are capable of withstanding very elevated temperatures.

Complete step by step answer:
We know that the valency of carbonate $2$ and the valency of magnesium are $2$ and to satisfy the combining capacity of carbonate, one magnesium is required. Thus the molecular formula is $MgC{O_3}$.

Additional notes:
We also know that the magnesium carbonate may be a basic hydrated magnesium carbonate or a usually hydrated magnesium carbonate. It presents as a light, white, friable mass or as a bulky white powder. It is neutral and is constant in air. It’s almost insoluble in water to which though it imparts a somewhat alkaline reaction. It is insoluble in alcohol but is dissolved by dilute acids with bubbles. Hydromagnesite may be a white or yellowish or grayish-white or brown colored compound which is produced from crystalline powder or crystalline solid form. It’s a vital ore for magnesium.

Note: Now we discuss about the some of the uses of Magnesium carbonate as:
- Magnesium carbonate is employed in food as a desiccant.
- Utilized in making pharmaceutical products.
- Utilized as a rubber reinforcing agent.
- Utilized in the manufacturing of cosmetics.
- Utilized in making drinking water.
- Utilized as an anti caking agent in food.
- Utilized as a filtering agent.
- Utilized as fire-extinguishing.
- Utilized in printing inks.