Magnesium carbonate

Magnesium carbonate (CAS 546-93-0), also known commercially as Magnesite and designated E504 in food applications, is an inorganic mineral salt used across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing.

It functions primarily as an acidity regulator, anti-caking agent, and processing aid, keeping bulk powders free-flowing and stabilizing pH in formulated products. In food manufacturing, it prevents clumping in powdered products.

This includes table salt, flour, and dry mixes, maintaining consistent flowability through packaging and processing lines. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a tablet excipient and antacid active ingredient.

Its buffering capacity supports both formulation stability and gastric pH regulation. In personal care, it acts as a bulking and absorbency agent in dry cosmetic formulations including pressed powders and dry shampoos.

It is also utilized in talc-free body powders. Plastics processors incorporate it as a filler and acid scavenger during polymer compounding, neutralizing residual catalyst acids that would otherwise degrade the material.

Magnesium carbonate is supplied as a white powder in both light and heavy bulk density grades, with particle size selected to match specific processing requirements. Recognized grades include FCC and USP.

Other available quality standards include Ph. Eur. and technical grade for industrial applications. Both anhydrous and hydrated forms are commercially available for various manufacturing needs.

Buyers typically specify the grade and form based on regulatory and formulation requirements. This ensures the material meets the necessary safety and performance criteria for the intended application.