Calcination and Roasting

Usually, metals are obtained from oxide ores after going through the reduction or electrolysis process. While oxide ores are easy to reduce it is not the same with sulphides and carbonates. These ores can be turned into metals only after converting carbonates and sulphides to an oxide ore. The conversion is mostly done through the processes of calcination or roasting. So, here in this page we will learn about calcination and roasting and try to understand the various topics related to them.

Table of Contents

• • What is Calcination
  • What is Roasting
  • Important differences

What is Calcination?

Calcination is defined as the process of converting ore into an oxide by heating it strongly. The ore is heated below its melting point either in absence of air or in limited supply. This method is commonly used for converting carbonates and hydroxides to their respective oxides. During calcination, moisture and volatile impurities are also removed. Calcination can also be described as a thermal process that is used to convert ores and other solid materials by bringing about a thermal decomposition. In calcination, the reaction most of the time occurs at or above the thermal decomposition temperature.

Calcination is derived from the Latin word calciner which translates as “to burn lime”. So, calcination is mostly used in the decomposition of limestone (calcium carbonate) to lime (calcium oxide) and carbon dioxide.

CaCO₃ —> CaO + CO₂

Meanwhile, the products that are derived from calcination are known as calcining, and it is regardless of actual compounds undergoing thermal treatment.

What is Roasting?

Roasting is a process of metallurgy where ore is converted into its oxide by heating it below its melting point in the presence of excess air. While calcination is mostly used in the oxidation of carbonates, roasting is a method that is used for converting sulphide ores. During roasting, moisture and non-metallic impurities are released in the form of volatile gases. The process of roasting consists of solid-gas thermal reaction which includes oxidation, reduction, sulfation, chlorination and pyro hydrolysis.

However, roasting which involves sulphides is a major source of air pollution and the main drawback of this process is that it releases a large amount of metallic as well as toxic and acidic compounds which cause harm to the environment.

An example of roasting is when Zinc sulphide is converted into zinc oxide.

2ZnS+3O₂ —> 2ZnO + 2SO₂

Important Differences Between Calcination and Roasting

Here are some of the major differences between calcination and roasting.

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