Carbon mineralization

Carbon mineralization converts carbon dioxide into solid carbonate minerals through reactions with rocks or mineral-rich materials. It can occur naturally or be engineered to store carbon for long periods.

Carbonation reaction: A chemical reaction in which carbon dioxide or carbonate species react with a material to form a carbonate. Carbonation is the central reaction that incorporates carbon dioxide into mineral solids.
CarbFix: An Icelandic project that injects carbon dioxide dissolved in water into basalt for underground mineral storage. CarbFix demonstrated rapid mineral storage of injected carbon dioxide in basalt.
Geological carbon storage: The injection and containment of carbon dioxide in deep geological formations, commonly as a dense fluid. Unlike mineralization, conventional geological storage can retain carbon without converting it into solid minerals.
Carbon sequestration: The long-term removal or isolation of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or active carbon cycle. Mineralization is a durable form of sequestration because carbon becomes part of a solid mineral.
Silicate weathering: The chemical breakdown of silicate minerals by water and acids, releasing dissolved ions and forming secondary minerals. Weathering supplies calcium and magnesium that can combine with dissolved carbon dioxide.
In situ mineral carbonation: The conversion of injected carbon dioxide into carbonate minerals within underground rock formations. This approach mineralizes carbon dioxide without mining or transporting the host rock.
Carbon dioxide dissolution: The transfer of carbon dioxide molecules into a liquid, where they may react or remain dissolved. Dissolution can precede mineralization but does not by itself create a solid carbonate.
Carbon dioxide removal: Human activities that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it durably. Mineralization can provide durable storage when its carbon dioxide comes from the atmosphere.
Olivine: A magnesium- and iron-rich silicate mineral common in Earth's mantle and some igneous rocks. Olivine can release magnesium during dissolution, enabling magnesium carbonate formation.
Ex situ mineral carbonation: The reaction of carbon dioxide with mined or processed minerals in reactors outside their original geological setting. Ex situ methods accelerate reactions by preparing and controlling the mineral feedstock.

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