Transformation process of amorphous magnesium carbonate in aqueous solution

Amorphous magnesium carbonate (AMC) is an important phase in the early formation stage of magnesium carbonate. In this study, precipitation experiments were conducted to clarify the formation and transformation process of AMC in aqueous solution. Fine AMC particles precipitated, immediately after mixing of Na2CO3 and MgCl2 solutions. Chemical composition of the AMC was determined to be approximately MgCO3 center dot 2H(2)O although two hydration states were expected to exist for AMCs. Subsequently, the AMC transformed in aqueous solutions into needle-like crystals of nesquehonite (MgCO3 center dot 3H(2)O), eventually to tiny polycrystalline particles of dypingite [Mg-5(CO3)(4)(OH)(2)center dot 5H(2)O] via a solvent-mediated processes.