Manganese(II) carbonate

Manganese carbonate is a compound with the chemical formula MnCO₃. Manganese carbonate occurs naturally as the mineral rhodochrosite but it is typically produced industrially. It is a pale pink, water-insoluble solid. Approximately 20,000 metric tonnes were produced in 2005

Reactions and uses

The carbonate is insoluble in water but, like most carbonates, hydrolyses upon treatment with acids to give water-soluble salts.

Manganese carbonate decomposes with release of carbon dioxide, i.e. calcining, at 200 °C to give MnO_1.88:

MnCO₃ + 0.44 O₂ → MnO_1.8 + CO₂

This method is sometimes employed in the production of manganese dioxide, which is used in dry-cell batteries and for ferrites.

Manganese carbonate is widely used as an additive to plant fertilizers to cure manganese deficient crops. It is also used in health foods, in ceramics as a glaze colorant and flux, and in concrete stains.