section_path: Production/Industrial processes/Thermal decomposition of limestone
section_name: Thermal decomposition of limestone
paragraph_text: Thermal decomposition of limestone
  
  It is produced by thermal decomposition of limestone, CaCO by heating (calcining) at about 850 °C (1,560 °F), in the manufacture of quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO), a compound that has many industrial uses:
  
  Acids liberate CO from most metal carbonates. Consequently, it may be obtained directly from natural carbon dioxide springs, where it is produced by the action of acidified water on limestone or dolomite. The reaction between hydrochloric acid and calcium carbonate (limestone or chalk) is shown below:
  
  The carbonic acid (H CO) then decomposes to water and CO:
  
  Such reactions are accompanied by foaming or bubbling, or both, as the gas is released. They have widespread uses in industry because they can be used to neutralize waste acid streams.