Calc-sinter

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Calc-sinter (de:Sinter; it is an important category in German chemistry)

Term for a solid Calcium carbonate deposit. When Calcium bicarbonate is in water solution, any mayor change of environmental conditions for the water (esp. pressure, temperature, photosynthesis of biotic material, earthquake) causes the water to release part of its Carbon dioxide as gas, much like fizzy drinks. As a result, calcium carbonate has been precipitated chemically.

When deposits are found in caves, in old aquaeducts or waterpipes - as a coating or even thick layer - this may be called calc sinter. If the deposits are more or less porous - as found behind cold, warm or hot springs - the phenomenon is known as Travertine.

[edit] Example of Calc-sinter

Pure calc sinter, typical for aqueducts and all kinds of water facilities, concrete material, buildings, etc.

Roman aqueduct in Germania Inferior. Eifel Aqueduct, clogged by fine sinter.

Deposits of several thousand years of Calc sinter (Travertine) behind the Bridgeport, California Hot Springs