Magnesium Carbonate is more complicated than it first seems. There are hydrated carbonates, basic carbonate and hydrated basic carbonates, which are all commonly known as ‘Magnesium Carbonate’. Inoxia currently stocks two grades, which are hydrated basic magnesium carbonates. The light form is 2–2.5 times more bulky than the heavy.

Light Magnesium Carbonate

The light, or low density form has the formula 4MgCO3·Mg(OH)2·4H2O and is also known by the mineral name Hydromagnesite. The low density is owing to the porous crystal structure.
It is the best version to use as climbing, gym or weightlifting chalk.

The 20kg Magnesium Carbonate light bags are food grade material, but we can't resell it as food grade after it's been repackaged.


Standard Magnesium Carbonate

This has the formula MgCO3 and the mineral name Magnesite.

Some information is included here to help clarify which compound best suits your needs.

Application guide

Light Standard
Anticaking / Free flow Yes Yes
Gym Chalk Best OK
Climbing Chalk Best OK
Weightlifting Chalk Best OK
Refractory Bricks No Yes
Rubber filler Yes -
Plastic filler Yes -
Filler Yes Yes
Fireproofing & Heat preservation Yes Yes
Buffer Yes No
Drying agent Yes -
Pigment Yes Yes
Food additive E504 Yes* Yes*
Food additive E504 (i) No Yes*
Food additive E504 (ii) Yes* No
Antacid Yes* Yes*
Laxative Yes* -

* Our stock may not be suitable for human consumption, contact us if you require food / pharmaceutical grade.

- No data at this time.