This is the page for true nerds.
What is magnesite?
Now, grab a nice cup of tea or coffee and make yourselves comfortable. We will enter the rabbit hole and show you how deep it is, and above all, how much is behind the world of magnesite.
Data for Nerds
The science behind grip (explained simply, but with numbers).
Do you like to know how and why something works? This is the nerd ghost's lair: chemistry, processes, tests, and transparency, without turning into a high school physics lesson.
Grip & basic chemistry
In short: our chalk is magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃). Its superpower is to absorb moisture from the skin and increase friction between hand and grip.
- What happens on the skin: micro-layer of MgCO₃ → absorbs sweat → drier contact surface → higher coefficient of friction.
- Why it works: moisture management + micro-filling of skin irregularities = more consistent grip.
- Nerd note: mg/m² of deposit and run-off influence performance and also the cleanliness of the environment we are in.
Why it matters to you: more control = more successful attempts = more progress.
How magnesium carbonate and grip work
Key idea: MgCO₃ is hygroscopic: it absorbs moisture/sweat from the skin, creates a dry layer between the skin and the contact surface, and can stabilize grip when applied in a thin layer. The available literature does not directly compare MgCO₃ with other "grip" materials in sports; many related studies concern hydrophobic materials on surfaces (e.g., concrete) or engineered composites, which are not suitable for manual use.
- Moisture absorption: dries fingers and reduces slipping due to sweat. Studies on hygroscopic/hydro-management systems and materials confirm that reducing surface water improves the sensation of dryness; however, there are no trials comparing MgCO₃ vs. other materials for direct skin use in sports (Zhou 2021; Sanjeevi 2021 - cf. reviews in Bibliography).
- Adhesion/friction: hydrophobic treatments on surfaces (fluoropolymers/silanes) show lower water absorption and sometimes greater surface resistance/friction, but are not designed or approved for use on skin or for direct hand-grip contact (Al-Kheetan 2019; 2020). These results are not transferable to manual sports use.
In practice: for sports, the safest and most effective way remains pure MgCO₃ applied lightly and frequently: it dries, is light in the bag, doesn't stick, is easily removed, and has a consolidated safety profile.
Pure MgCO₃: what we mean
For us, "Pure" means: only magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃), without additives and without relevant contaminants.
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What we guarantee (see "Laboratory tests"):
- MgCO₃ content on dry basis compliant with our specifications
- Heavy metals: not detected at our internal LoQs
- pH in slurry neutral-slightly basic (skin & grip friendly)
- Minimum insoluble residues / absence of fillers
- Why zero additives: no fragrances/resins or anything else → less risk of irritation, more predictable performance.
- Simply put: one molecule, made well.
Particle size & feeling (powder / chunk / liquid)
Texture changes the experience. And everyone's feeling is different.
- Extra-fine powder: more uniform coating.
- "Crunchy" chunk: customizable crushing of blocks in hand, personalized dosage; useful in variable conditions.
- Liquid: alcohol base + MgCO₃ in suspension → fast dry-down, less air dispersion during application; excellent for indoor training.
Chalk and performance: what the literature says
To date, there is no solid scientific evidence demonstrating the superiority of the form (chunky vs. fine powder) on grip performance. Research primarily focuses on the general effects of magnesium, not on the format.
- There is no solid evidence that the form (chunky vs. fine) is superior in performance: dose and application method matter, as well as personal skin and preferences.
- A classic study (Li et al., 2001) indicates that MgCO₃ can reduce the skin-rock coefficient of friction under certain conditions, due to skin drying (less compliance) and the formation of a slippery granular film. In practice: if used excessively or incorrectly, it can "butter" the grip.
- Other studies show that moisture management remains the key benefit of chalk: for sweaty hands, a thin, judiciously renewed layer can stabilize the grip. In summary: the dose and how you apply it matter more than the form.
- Evidence on specific tasks: climbers using chalk increase repetitions in weight-assisted pull-ups (open-handed ~22.8 vs 19.7; pinch ~14.4 vs 9.1) and increase hang time on hangboard. See sources.
Usage preferences & texture
Particle size influences the feeling: some perceive fine powder as "floury", others prefer chunks for dosage. These are subjective preferences, not performance evidence.
- Commodity analyses suggest that particle size influences the feeling (Ford, 2012): some perceive fine powder as "floury"/tending to clump, while others prefer chunks for the more "dosable" dry sensation. However, these are subjective preferences, not performance evidence.
Environmental impact (visual)
Over-use worsens the visual quality of crags and can reduce the desire to use heavily chalked routes. Fine powder, if used in excessive amounts, tends to leave more visible residue. Always brush.
| Chalk form | Perceived effect on grip | User preferences | Visual environmental impact | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chunky | No proven advantage vs powder | Some prefer it for dosage | Tends to generate less airborne dust | Li 2001; Ford 2012; Çetinkaya 2021 |
| Fine powder | No proven advantage vs chunk | Some prefer it for quickness | More visible residue if used incorrectly | Li 2001; Ford 2012; Çetinkaya 2021 |
Practical conclusion: choose the format that makes you feel most in control, use little chalk, and always brush the holds. Application technique and wall cleanliness matter more than particle size.
Skin & safe use
Quick summary: Pure MgCO₃ is generally considered safe for sports use on skin. The literature does not report significant adverse effects related to topical MgCO₃ alone, but there is a lack of specific long-term clinical studies on its use on athletes' hands. For caution and consistent quality, we prioritize cosmetic/pharmaceutical grade and batch-by-batch controls.
- Available evidence: no reports of irritations/allergies attributable to pure MgCO₃ used as chalk have emerged; many reviews on skin safety in sports analyze other compounds (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, TiO₂, phenoxyethanol), not MgCO₃ (Gurton 2023; Dreno 2019).
- Data on other Mg salts/alloys: studies on high-purity metallic Mg and magnesium salts in the biomedical field show good local/systemic tolerability, without significant toxicity (Yu 2018; Tarsitano 2024). This data is not directly transferable to topical sports use, but supports the low-risk profile of high-purity magnesium.
- Purity & contaminants: the absence of specific data on quarry-sourced vs. synthetic chalk suggests a precautionary principle: use high-purity MgCO₃ and verify heavy metals are not detected.
| Aspect | Available evidence | Known risks | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure MgCO₃ on skin | No known adverse effects in literature | Low | Yu 2018; Tarsitano 2024 |
| MgCO₃ with contaminants | No specific data on chalk used in sports | Potential (if impurities present) | Yu 2018 |
| Other salts/minerals on skin | Generally well tolerated | Low | Gurton 2023; Dreno 2019 |
Good practices: use little chalk, wash hands after the session, and moisturize skin in the evening. If you have reactive skin, prefer liquid formats (less dispersion) and always check ingredients.
Environment & Production Cycle 👇
The 6-step process
Our cycle, explained simply
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No quarries: we start from the sea
Our magnesium is not extracted from magnesite mines. We recover magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) as a by-product of sea salt production. Instead of digging new hills, we reuse a waste product: less impacted soil, fewer impurities to remove.
In practice: we transform a saline residue into a useful resource. -
Clean alchemy: from MgCl₂ to MgCO₃
In the lab, we precipitate magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃) with a controlled process: simple reactions, stable parameters, zero additives. The result is a homogeneous and repeatable powder. -
Purification & quality control
Each batch undergoes tests for: MgCO₃ content, heavy metals (not detected at our quantification limits), pH in slurry, particle size (d₅₀/d₉₀), residual moisture.
If it doesn't pass the tests, it doesn't end up in the bags. -
Drying & texture (powder / chunk / liquid)
We adjust parameters and sieves to obtain extra-fine powder or crunchy chunks. For liquid chalk, MgCO₃ is dispersed in an alcoholic solution for rapid dry-down and less air dispersion during application. -
Renewable energy & packaging
Our production cycle is mainly powered by photovoltaic and renewable sources. We use recycled/recyclable packaging, refill formats for gyms/boxes, and optimized logistics. -
Use, reuse, end of life
Use as much as needed, refill containers where possible, recycle packaging according to local rules.
Goal: maximum performance, minimum footprint.
Impact (LCA summary): LCA analyses indicate that producing MgO/MgCO₃ from brine waste can reduce emissions by about 60–80% compared to the mining supply chain. Orders of magnitude reported in literature: 1.6–2.7 kg CO₂-eq/kg (mined magnesite) vs 0.37–1.05 kg CO₂-eq/kg (from brine) → indicative values, depend on energy mix and specific process (Tan 2024; Luong 2018).
LCA Comparison (extraction vs. brine)
| Factor | Mined Magnesite | MgCO₃ from Brine | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO₂ (kg CO₂-eq/kg MgO) | 1.6–2.7 | 0.37–1.05 | Tan 2024; Luong 2018 |
| Soil/landscape impact | High (excavation, waste) | Low (uses by-products) | Tan 2024 |
| Impurities/contaminants | Possible (heavy metals) | Generally purer | Tan 2024; Luong 2018 |
Transparency note: we will update these numbers with the results of our LCA as soon as they are available.
Objective: pure MgCO₃, controlled particle size, zero additives.
Laboratory tests & methods (how we measure things)
- Purity (MgCO₃ on dry basis) — gravimetric method / titration
- Particle size (d₅₀ / d₉₀) — sieves / laser diffraction
- Heavy metals — ICP-OES / ICP-MS (in our CoA: not detected at internal LoQs)
- pH in slurry — standard suspension (g/L)
- Insoluble residues — % on dry basis
Nerd FAQ (quick)
- Does your chalk come from quarries? No: we start from recovered MgCl₂ from sea salt production; MgCO₃ is synthesized in the laboratory.
- Powder vs liquid: airborne emissions? Liquid has less dispersion during application; it is often preferred in crowded halls.
- Chunk: for show or serves a purpose? No proven performance advantage; it helps to dose the crushing and can generate less airborne dust if used sparingly.
- pH: why does it matter? Too high pH can "degrease" the skin; we maintain a neutral-slightly basic range for stable grip and happy skin.
- Heavy metals & skin safety? Every batch: heavy metals not detected at our LoQs; public CoAs.
- How much chalk should I use and how? Little and often: thin layer, rub palms and phalanges, no "clouds", reapply only when needed, and always brush the holds.
- Resin/rosin: do you use it? For climbing, we avoid resins: possible allergens, creates dirt, often forbidden. We offer a liquid chalk with resin only for equipment made of metal (crossfit, calisthenics, pole): maximum grip on bars/poles without residue on rock.
- Is it safe to breathe chalk? MgCO₃ is of low hazard, but avoid unnecessary dust: apply away from the face, prefer chalk ball or liquid in crowded and ventilated environments.
- How do I store the product? MgCO₃ is practically insoluble in water, so humidity does not "dissolve" it or cancel its effectiveness; however, it can promote agglomeration. Keep it dry in a container and away from heat sources.
- Is it suitable for powerlifting/crossfit/pole? Yes: chemically it is the same MgCO₃. The choice of format depends on the context.
Quick glossary
- MgCO₃: magnesium carbonate, the "magic powder".
- Particle size (d₅₀/d₉₀): average size/percentile of particles.
- Slurry: suspension in water used for pH tests.
- CoA: Certificate of Analysis for the batch.
- VOC: volatile organic compounds (relevant in liquid chalk solvents).
Bibliography / sources
(useful links and references for those who want to delve deeper — will be updated progressively with current CoAs and complete LCAs)
Lazyghost Brand & Policy
Production Model (non-mining)
MgCO₃ Production (synthesis)
- Known synthesis routes: Mg²⁺ + CO₃²⁻ under CO₂; carbonation of Mg(OH)₂ under pressure. (Technical teaching note)
Science of Grip (MgCO₃ & performance/friction)
- Li, F. et al. (2001) Use of ‘chalk’ in rock climbing: sine qua non or myth? J Sports Sci.
- Bacon, N.T. et al. (2018) Effect of MgCO₃ Use on Repeated Open-Handed and Pinch Grip Weight-Assisted Pull-Ups. Int J Exerc Sci.
- Kilgas, M.A. et al. (2016) The effect of magnesium carbonate on hangboard metrics. J Appl Biomech.
- Çetinkaya, G. et al. (2021) Chalk & visual quality in climbing sites.
Other Materials & Moisture Management (interdisciplinary review)
- Al-Kheetan, M. et al. (2019) Hydrophobic materials in concrete.
- Al-Kheetan, M. et al. (2020) Hydrophobic surface impregnants.
- Zhou, H. et al. (2021) Magnesium-based biomaterials.
- Sanjeevi, S. et al. (2021) Water absorption in hybrid composites.
Safety & Skin
- Gurton, W. et al. (2023) Sodium bicarbonate topical/oral in sport.
- Dreno, B. et al. (2019) TiO₂ nanoparticles safety in cosmetics.
- Dreno, B. et al. (2019) Phenoxyethanol safety review.
- Yu, Y. et al. (2018) High-purity Mg screw in vivo (tolerability).
- Tarsitano, M. et al. (2024) Mg supplementation & soreness (systematic review).
Physico-chemical properties (solubility & hygroscopicity of MgCO₃)
- FAO/WHO JECFA – Magnesium carbonate: Specifications (“practically insoluble in water”)
- Japanese Pharmacopoeia – Magnesium Carbonate (“practically insoluble”)
- PubChem – Magnesium Carbonate (CID 11029): solubility ~0.01%
- SDS Aquaphoenix – “This product is hygroscopic. Keep containers tightly sealed.”
Environmental impact (LCA & sources)
- Tan, Y. et al. (2024) Magnesia-based cement LCA (ACS SusChemEng).
- Luong, V. et al. (2018) Carbon footprints MgO/Mg(OH)₂ (J Cleaner Prod.).
Where we have included estimates, we have labeled them as such. We will update the numbers as soon as the full results of our LCA/CoA analyses are available.
