Is Barium Carbonate a Solid?

Is Barium Carbonate a Solid?
Properties, State, and Uses Explained

Introduction

Barium carbonate (BaCO₃) is a solid at room temperature, appearing as a white powder. It remains in a solid state under non-high-temperature conditions. Many people wonder: What is the state of barium carbonate? This article will provide the answer.

Understanding the state of barium carbonate is crucial. Knowing it is a solid allows for proper use and storage, ensuring safety. Ignorance of this fact may lead to problems.

What Is Barium Carbonate (BaCO₃)?

• With the chemical formula BaCO₃, it belongs to metal carbonates and is an inorganic compound (non-biologically synthesized), composed of barium, carbon, and oxygen elements.
• Its natural occurrence is the mineral witherite.

Key Facts:

• Barium carbonate is BaCO₃;
• Composed of barium, carbon, and oxygen elements;
• Mineral name is witherite.

Physical State: Why Is BaCO₃ a Solid?

Barium carbonate is an ionic compound formed by barium ions (Ba²⁺) and carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) through ionic bonds. The extremely strong ionic bond forces the ions to form a crystal lattice (similar to a rigid ionic network), making BaCO₃ a solid.

Its strong bonding properties give it a high melting point.

Key Physical Properties Supporting Its Solid State

Property	Value/Description	Notes
Physical State	Solid	At room temperature and normal pressure
Appearance	White crystalline powder or granules	Industrial barium carbonate is a white powder
Odor	Odorless	No smell
Density	4.286 g/cm³	At 20℃
Melting Point	Decomposes at ~811℃	Melts only in high CO₂; otherwise decomposes into BaO and CO₂
Boiling Point	Not applicable (decomposes first)
Solubility in Water	Extremely low (~0.0024 g/100 mL at 20℃)	Poorly soluble in water
Crystal Structure	Orthorhombic at room temperature	Transforms to hexagonal/cubic at higher temperatures
Molar Mass	197.34 g/mol
CAS Number	513-77-9	Chemical registry number

How to Confirm BaCO₃ Is a Solid?

• Formed by a crystal lattice of strong ionic bonds;
• High melting point (decomposes rather than melts at high temperatures);
• High density (much heavier than water);
• Insoluble in water.

Barium Carbonate at Different Temperatures

• Room Temperature: Always remains a solid.
• When Heated: Decomposes at approximately 811℃ into barium oxide (BaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). It does not melt like wax or ice, nor does it boil (decomposes before reaching boiling point).
• Crystal Structure Change: The solid state remains unchanged when heated, but the crystal form may transition from orthorhombic to hexagonal or cubic.

Comparison Table of Substance States at Room Temperature

Substance	State at Room Temperature	Melting Point (℃)
Barium carbonate	Solid	~811 (decomposes)
Water	Liquid	0
Sodium chloride	Solid	801
Carbon dioxide	Gas	-56.6 (sublimes)
Barium chloride	Solid	962
Calcium carbonate	Solid	825

Common Uses of Solid Barium Carbonate

Application Fields:

1. Ceramics Industry: Used in bricks, tiles, and pottery to prevent efflorescence (white spots) and enhance brick strength.
2. Glass Industry: Improves glass toughness, making it transparent and smooth.
3. Glazes and Enamels: Serves as a flux, opacifier, or matting agent, imparting beautiful colors to glazes.
4. Pigment Production: Used as a white pigment.
5. Synthesis of Other Barium Compounds: For preparing barium nitrate, barium chloride, etc.
6. Fireworks: (Historically) Produces green flames (now other barium salts are more commonly used).
7. Rodenticides: (Historical use, with caution due to toxicity).

Industrial Case: Brick Manufacturing

During brick production, soluble salts cause white spots (efflorescence) on bricks. Adding barium carbonate reacts with these salts to form insoluble compounds, preventing spot formation. As a solid, it mixes well with clay or brick dust.

Safety and Handling (as a Solid)

Toxicity:

Barium carbonate is toxic and highly poisonous if ingested. It is not suitable for food or water treatment.

Handling and Storage:

• Avoid inhaling dust; wear gloves and a mask when operating.
• Store in a dry place, away from acids (reacts to produce dangerous gases).
• Always read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

Comparison Table with Other Carbonates

Substance	Melting Point (℃)	Solubility in Water (g/100 mL)	Typical State
Barium carbonate	~811 (decomposes)	~0.0024	Solid
Calcium carbonate	825	0.0013	Solid
Barium chloride	962	37	Solid
Sodium carbonate	851	21.5	Solid

Crystal Lattice Schematic (Simple ASCII)

plaintext

Ba²⁺   CO₃²⁻   Ba²⁺  
  |      |      |  
CO₃²⁻ Ba²⁺  CO₃²⁻  
  |      |      |  
Ba²⁺   CO₃²⁻   Ba²⁺  

Ions form a rigid crystal network under strong bonding, making it a solid!

Physical Properties of Barium Carbonate: Density Comparison

Substance	Density (g/cm³)
Barium carbonate	4.286
Water	1.00
Sodium chloride	2.165
Calcium carbonate	2.71

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is barium carbonate always a solid?
   Yes, it is always a solid at room temperature.
2. Can barium carbonate become a liquid or gas?
   No, it decomposes before melting or boiling.
3. Can barium carbonate be touched directly?
   It is harmful; wear gloves and avoid inhaling dust.
4. What are the main uses of barium carbonate?
   Used in ceramics, glass, bricks, glazes, pigments, etc.

Conclusion

Barium carbonate (BaCO₃) is a white solid at room temperature. Like most metal carbonates, it remains solid due to strong ionic bonds. It has a high density and melting point, decomposing only at high temperatures.

Uses: Ceramics, glass, bricks, glazes, pigments, and synthesis of other barium compounds.
Safety Tip: Toxic; handle with care. Purchase from reliable manufacturers.

For high-quality barium carbonate or barium nitrate, contact Hunan Shangge Chemical Co., Ltd. We provide customized production and wholesale services.

References

• Lide, D.R. (Ed.). (2003). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (84th ed.). CRC Press.
• PubChem. Barium carbonate. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
• Sigma-Aldrich. Barium carbonate Safety Data Sheet.

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