Key Properties of Calamine
| Product Name: | Calamine |
| Synonyms: | Zinc Oxide with Ferric Oxide |
| CAS No: | 8011-96-9 |
| Chemical Formula: | ZnO + Fe₂O₃ |
| Grade: | IP / BP / USP |
| Appearance: | Fine, pale pink to red powder |
| Molar Mass: | 81.38 g/mol (Zinc Oxide) |
| Solubility: | Practically insoluble in water. It dissolves with effervescence in hydrochloric acid |
| Melting Point: | 1975°C (Zinc Oxide) |
Manufacturing process of Calamine
Step 1: Raw Material Selection
- High-purity zinc oxide (ZnO) and ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) are selected.
- Raw materials undergo strict quality checks for purity.
Step 2: Blending & Mixing
- Zinc oxide and ferric oxide are blended uniformly under controlled conditions.
- Ensures consistent particle size and even distribution of ferric oxide for the pink color.
Step 3: Milling & Sieving
- The blended material is milled and sieved to achieve the desired fine particle size.
Step 4: Quality Control & Testing
- The final product is tested for assay, particle size, pH, moisture content, and purity as per IP/BP/USP standards.
Step 5: Packaging & Storage
- Packed in HDPE bags or fiber drums to prevent contamination.
- Stored in a cool, dry place for maintaining stability.
Applications of Calamine
Technical Specifications of Calamine
Calamine IP Specification
| Sr. No. | Test | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Description | A fine, amorphous, impalpable, pink or reddish-brown powder. |
| 2 | Solubility | Practically insoluble in water. It dissolves with effervescence in hydrochloric acid. |
| 3 | Identification by Zinc. | It gives reaction of Zinc. |
| 4 | Identification by Iron. | It gives reaction of Iron. |
| 5 | Acid-Insoluble Substances | Not more than 1.0% |
| 6 | Alkaline Substances | Passes test |
| 7 | Water-Soluble Dyes | The filtrate is colourless. |
| 8 | Ethanol-Soluble Dyes | The filtrate is colourless. |
| 9 | Arsenic | Not more than 8 ppm |
| 10 | Lead | Passes the test |
| 11 | Calcium | Passes the test |
| 12 | Soluble Barium Salts | Passes the test |
| 13 | Chlorides | Not more than 750 ppm |
| 14 | Sulphates | Not more than 0.6% |
| 15 | Loss on Ignition | Not more than 2.0% |
| 16 | Assay, calculated as ZnO on ignited basis | Not less than 98.00% and not more than 100.50% |
Calamine BP Specification
| Sr. No. | Test | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Description | Fine, pale pink to red powder. |
| 2 | Solubility | Practically insoluble in water. It dissolves with effervescence in hydrochloric acid. |
| 3 | Identification by Zinc test | Positive (meets general zinc identification) |
| 4 | Identification by Ferric Oxide Test | Reddish color upon adding ammonium thiocyanate. |
| 5 | Calcium | Solution remains clear |
| 6 | Soluble barium salts | Solution remains clear |
| 7 | Lead | Not more than 150 ppm |
| 8 | Chloride | Not more than 0.07% |
| 9 | Sulphate | Not more than 0.6% |
| 10 | Ethanol soluble dyes | The filtrate is colourless |
| 11 | Matter insoluble in Hydrochloric acid | Weight not more than 10 mg |
| 12 | Water soluble dye | The filtrate is colourless |
| 13 | Residue on ignition | Not less than 68.00% to not more than 74.00% |
Calamine USP Specification
| Sr. No. | Test | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Description | Fine, pale pink to red powder |
| 2 | Solubility | Practically insoluble in water. It dissolves with effervescence in hydrochloric acid |
| 3 | Identification by Zinc Test | Positive (meets general zinc identification) |
| 4 | Identification by Ferric Oxide Test | Reddish color upon adding ammonium thiocyanate |
| 5 | Lead | No turbidity with potassium chromate TS |
| 6 | Arsenic | Not more than 8 ppm |
| 7 | Calcium | Not more than slight turbidity (ammonium oxalate test) |
| 8 | Calcium or Magnesium | Not more than slight turbidity (dibasic sodium phosphate test) |
| 9 | Loss on Ignition | Not more than 2.0% |
| 10 | Acid-Insoluble Substances | Not more than 2.0% |
| 11 | Alkaline Substances | Not more than 0.2 mL of 0.10 N H₂SO₄ to neutralize |
| 12 | Assay Zinc Oxide Content (ZnO) | 98.00% – 100.50% (on ignited basis) |
Packing and Storage condition of Calamine
Packing:
Calamine is packed in 25 kg and 50 kg HDPE drums or fiber drums with an inner polythene liner to prevent moisture absorption and contamination. Customized packaging options are available as per customer requirements.
Storage:
Calamine should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and incompatible substances. It must be kept in a tightly closed container to maintain its stability and quality.
Why Choose Chemignition for
Calamine Supply?
Quality Assurance
Grade Compliance
Calamine is manufactured in adherence to stringent global pharmaceutical standards.
In-House Quality Control
Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for purity, stability, and efficacy.
Regulatory Approvals
Certified for export and compliant with international regulatory requirements.
Large-Scale Manufacturing and Export
Grade Compliance
Calamine is manufactured in adherence to stringent global pharmaceutical standards.
In-House Quality Control
Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for purity, stability, and efficacy.
Regulatory Approvals
Certified for export and compliant with international regulatory requirements.





