What is copper carbonate used for? What is difference between copper carbonate and copper oxide? How do you use oxides in ceramics? What is cupric carbonate used for

CuCO₃  

Copper Carbonate, also Copper Oxide Green is a water-insoluble Copper source that can easily be converted to other Copper compounds, such as oxide by heating (calcination). Carbonate compounds also give off carbon dioxide when treated with dilute acids. Copper Carbonate is generally immediately available in most volumes. High purity, submicron and nanopowder forms may be considered.
Both malachite and azurite can be found in the verdigris patina that is found on weathered brass, bronze, and copper. The composition of the patina can vary, in a maritime environment depending on the environment a basic chloride may be present, in an urban environment basic sulfates may be present.
This compound is often improperly called (even in chemistry articles) copper carbonate, cupric carbonate, and similar names. The true (neutral) copper(II) carbonate CuCO3 is not known to occur naturally. It is decomposed by water or moisture from the air and was synthesized only in 1973 by high temperature and very high pressures.

All pigments for ceramics are intermixable so why not get creative and experiment by missing your own completely fresh color. During the firing process, the colors fuse extra vigorously creating purity, intensity, and brilliance. The colour of copper carbonate is stronger, therefore, significantly less percentage is needed to create vivid colors making them excessively cost-effective.

Copper carbonate refers to a group of chemical compounds containing copper, carbon, and oxygen. The two most common forms are:

1. Basic Copper Carbonate (Cu₂(OH)₂CO₃): This is a greenish compound often referred to as malachite in its mineral form.
2. Copper(II) Carbonate (CuCO₃): This form is less common and typically appears as a bluish-green powder.

Properties of Copper Carbonate

• Appearance: Green to blue-green powder or crystalline solid.
• Solubility: Insoluble in water, but soluble in acids.
• Stability: Stable under normal conditions, but decomposes upon heating to produce copper oxide and carbon dioxide.

Uses of Copper Carbonate

1. Pigments: Copper carbonate is used as a pigment in paints, ceramics, and glass to provide green and blue colors.
2. Agriculture: It is used in fungicides and pesticides to protect crops from fungal and bacterial infections.
3. Analytical Reagent: Employed in laboratories for various chemical analyses.
4. Feed Additive: Used as a supplement in animal feed to provide necessary copper for growth and health.
5. Chemical Industry: Acts as a precursor for producing other copper compounds such as copper sulfate and copper oxides.
6. Antifouling Paints: Used in marine paints to prevent the growth of barnacles and other marine organisms on ships and underwater structures.
7. Art and Jewelry: Utilized in the creation of patinas on metal surfaces, giving them an antique or weathered appearance.

Safety Considerations

• Toxicity: Copper carbonate can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large amounts. It can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract.
• Handling: Proper protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eye protection should be used when handling copper carbonate to prevent exposure.

Overall, copper carbonate is a versatile compound with a range of applications across different industries, valued for its chemical properties and effectiveness in various roles.

How to use Copper Carbonate Colour in the pottery: 

Both malachite and azurite, as well as basic copper carbonate have been used as pigments. One example of the use of both azurite and its artificial form blue verditer is the portrait of the family of Balthasar Gerbier by Peter Paul Rubens. The green skirt of Deborah Kip is painted in azurite, smalt, blue verditer (an artificial form of azurite), yellow ochre, lead-tin-yellow and yellow lake. The green color is achieved by mixing blue and yellow pigments.

It has also been used in some types of make-up, like lipstick, although it can also be toxic to humans. It also has been used for many years as an effective algaecide in farm ponds and in aquaculture operations.

Formula: CuCO₃  
Form: green or blue Powder
CAS Number: 1184-64-1
EC Number: 214-671-4
Molar Mass: 123,56 g/mol
Density: 4.0 g/cm³
Synonyms: Copper(II) carbonate, Copper(2+) carbonate, carbonic acid, copper(2+) salt (1:1), Cupric carbonate, Copper monocarbonate; Copper carbonate (1:1)