Climbing chalk made of magnesium carbonate. Jan 10, 2024 · Unlike ordinary chalk, which is made of calcium carbonate, climbing chalk is composed of magnesium carbonate. The most popular colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink, brown, black, white, gray, silver, gold, or silver-gray. Isopropyl alcohol serves as a dispersant, while the main active ingredient is magnesium carbonate, which is responsible for improving the grip and soaking up the moisture on the skin. Because MgCO3 is relatively insoluble in water, and because sweat is mostly made of water, putting chalk on your hands while climbing helps to keep hands dry and sweat-free. Since this element is not soluble in water and sweat mainly comprises of water, magnesium carbonate prevents hands from getting sweaty. unfortunately, purification to even 90% would drive up the price beyond what climbers could pay. Get this essential here. This goes without saying! Every climber has an individual chalk taste. Calcium carbonate (Old style chalk) has this same property, but apparently to a slightly lesser extent. It is also known as magnesium carbonate or gym chalk. 40 Mairbeon Anti-Skid Abstract. Magnesium Carbonate is non toxic and therefore safe for your skin. Magnesium carbonate, on the other hand, is much safer, causes less irritation, and is insoluble in water. Metolius Super chalk is a go-to for a reason. Yet, some businesses appear to Sep 12, 2023 · Hand chalk for the gym is different from regular classroom chalk which is made of calcium carbonate – this chemical can heavily irritate your eyes and skin. 1 lb of plastic removed from our oceans for every bag purchased. This method is mainly used for sport-related products, while food and pharmaceutical industries commonly rely on a synthetic process called desalination of seawater, where magnesium carbonate is May 7, 2020 · Monster Rock has been a popular crag for years, giving climbers relief from the heat and crowds of other central Texas crags. Premium chalk, made from 100% pure, magnesium carbonate, unmatched texture. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or Jul 12, 2021 · Climbing chalk is “just” Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO3) but because of the way it is produced it can contain “heavy metal” contaminants like Lead and Mercury. Jan 17, 2024 · So where does magnesium carbonate come from? Currently, “Most of the [magnesium carbonate] that’s in the sport is coming from mining,” says Brian Kelleghan, owner of Bison Designs and inventor of the Bison Chalk Ball. Jun 11, 2025 · Your definitive ultimate chalk guide is here. [9] Climbing Chalk Alternatives While magnesium carbonate-based climbing chalk is widely used within the climbing community, several alternative options exist for those with specific preferences or concerns. Gymreapers Gym Chalk, Athletic Powder Chalk for Maximum Grip Magnesium Carbonate Chalk for Powerlifting, Weightlifting, Rock Climbing, Gymnastics Chalk Block (8-2oz Chalk Blocks) 83 300+ bought in past month Prime Day Deal Sep 17, 2019 · Beta Rock Climbing Chalk Premium, Heat Treated Loose Powdered Rock Climbing Chalk Made with 100% Magnesium Carbonate. What Are the Different Types of Climbing Chalk? The majority of climbing chalk is made from Magnesium Carbonate. Magnesium carbonate absorbs moisture and reduces friction on the skin. This chalk ball/ chalk block keeps your hand dry and eliminates moisture. Climbing chalk is a white powdery substance made of Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO 3). Made from pure magnesium carbonate, Black Diamond White Gold chalk helps to keep your hands dry when you're working through hard moves. Chalk can absorb up to 30% of its weight in water, which helps climbers keep their hands dry during climbs. 80 CAP Barbell Gym Chalk, 1 lb Block 42 Save with Mairbeon Anti-Skid Dumbbell Weight Lifting Gymnastic Climbing Sport Magnesium Chalk Ball $485 $6. Gym Chalk Block (2oz), Magnesium Carbonate Athletic Chalk Block for Excellent Grip, Gym Workout Grip Chalk, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Rock Climbing White 297 300+ bought in past month $641 Feb 3, 2025 · The Main Ingredient: Magnesium Carbonate The primary component of climbing chalk is magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃). Unlike other chalk Mar 5, 2022 · Climbing chalk is made of magnesium carbonate, either in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals to improve its performance. Keep a bag in your car handy for trips to the crag or the climbing gym. Nov 22, 2024 · Since most lifting chalk is primarily made of magnesium carbonate, much more consideration was given to the convenience of the chalk type and how it matched the needs of the athletes using them Jan 23, 2024 · Climbing chalk is primarily composed of magnesium carbonate extracted from dolomite. It can still come in a block or powder form and some people say this chalk works better than your standard bulk stuff. Jan 25, 2022 · At last, a comprehensive training plan from professional climbing coach Neil Gresham. The difference is significant because ordinary chalk dissolves and absorbs water, making it useless for climbing. Jun 20, 2018 · Most chalk is made from magnesium carbonate, the same compound that gymnasts, weightlifters and other athletes will put on their hands in order to improve friction and grip. The teens seem spent after a May 14, 2025 · A climbing fatality in Washington occurred over the weekend when a party of four took a long fall after their anchor failed. The use Aug 22, 2024 · As a result, when magnesium carbonate is placed in water, the released energy is not adequate enough for breaking up carbonate or magnesium. Heat Treated Magnesium Carbonate: We heat treated our climbing chalk, removing lots of water weight. It can also be extracted from sea water but for practical reasons, most commercially available climbing chalk is purified from magnesite. Magnesium carbonate has now widely replaced natural chalk in sport. With our chalk, you'll cling to holds like a superhero. Everyone from new to pro climbers use chalk and chalk bags. You Sep 30, 2019 · PURE MAGNESIUM CARBONATE - This premium bouldering and rock climbing chalk is made from 100% Pure Magnesium Carbonate. This substance was already in use by gymnasts to prevent slippage on apparatus like rings and bars. . Climbers, both amateurs and professionals, consistently choose magnesium carbonate-infused chalk for its proven impact on friction and grip, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone in climbing essentials. At the surface level, its function is to absorb sweat and keep your hands dry when you climb. Its role in Jan 30, 2025 · Magnesium carbonate’s moisture-absorbing properties solve that problem, making it a must-have for countless climbers around the globe. It is also commonly used in weightlifting, rock climbing, and other activities that require a firm grip. Reply reply More replies Spieltheory • I still buy cheap bulk chalk, but stick to stuff that's actually marketed for climbing and it works well. Helping to protect outdoor rock climbing. Mar 23, 2020 · Climbing chalk or more commonly called magnesium carbonate in industry is traditionally mined as magnesite & then purified into the powder we all know as climbers. Magnesium carbonate can also be made in the lab from magnesium salt and sodium bicarbonate. The Strongest Grip Possible. com: climbing chalk bulkCarbonfree Certified by ClimeCo certifies consumer products based on a cradle-to-grave assessment to determine the carbon footprint of the product and associated carbon emission reductions. Some climbers opt for liquid chalk which offers similar benefits while reducing airborne dust particles. chemically it turns out that yes, there's a large difference between chalk compositions. Gym chalk is a simple but effective tool that can make a big difference in your athletic performance. “It’s not that complicated,” says Silver who, to be fair, owns a materials company that creates things like optical laser systems. VERSATILE USE - Asana gym chalk is also ideal for various athletic activities. Magnesium carbonate works by soaking up sweat and oils, giving your hands a non-slip surface and enhancing friction between your skin We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. May 18, 2021 · All forms of climbing chalk are made of magnesium carbonate or MgCO3 — a solid, white, inorganic material. Mar 1, 2023 · Climbing chalk is made from magnesium carbonate, which is extracted from dolomite. As such, it 13 votes, 21 comments. Sick Dyno Powdered Chalk creates a smooth consistency that adheres to your hands, delivering maximum coverage with minimal product. Climbing chalk’s elements are mostly identical to the chalk that other athletes use to dry their hands and enhance their grip. There are Apr 13, 2025 · Recreational-grade magnesium carbonate is most often used in hand chalk. But do you know exactly what chalk is? Here, take a look and then learn where climbers buy bags of chalk. Chalk comes from a mineral called magnesite, found in underground deposits all over the world. This gets into crevices in your skin better and will absorb water more efficiently. There's 2 major compounds in commercial chalk: magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate. Mar 30, 2022 · Here’s the thing: there are some concerns regarding the use of climbing chalk for outdoor climbing, which we’ll explain in more detail, but here, we’ve also got you some alternative options to the traditional magnesium carbonate climbing chalk that can help with those concerns. 70% Oct 30, 2023 · Every liquid chalk has two key ingredients: isopropyl alcohol and magnesium carbonate (known as chalk). Watkins, and Half Dome. Jun 12, 2023 · Climbing chalk is a dry powder substance that climbers use to improve grip and prevent slipping on holds. Magnesium carbonate, or 'chalk', is used by rock climbers to dry their hands to increase the coefficient of friction, thereby improving the grip of the holds. What is magnesium carbonate as Crunchy Chalk? Mag­ne­sium car­bon­ate (mol­e­c­u­lar for­mu­la: MgCO₃) is a chem­i­cal com­pound that occurs nat­u­ral­ly and is often used as climb­ing chalk in var­i­ous sports. Jun 23, 2025 · Kate Kelleghan and Laura Pineau have become the first women to complete the Yosemite Triple Crown, linking El Cap, Mt. After mining, the rocks are then chemically processed to extract the substance. Blocks come in packages of 8, which is fantastic for climbers who go through a lot of chalk. Getting you up to 20% more loose climbing chalk vs other brands. Chalk, also known as magnesia (alba) or gym / climbing chalk, is created by mixing magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) with water or magnesium hydroxide – a deliquescent substance, which means it actively attracts and binds moisture. As climbers scale rock faces or maneuver through indoor climbing walls, there’s one simple yet powerful tool that often goes unnoticed—chalk. Nov 22, 2021 · What is climbing chalk used for? Magnesium carbonate, or ‘chalk’, is used by rock climbers to dry their hands to increase the coefficient of friction, thereby improving the grip of the holds. John Gill, an American mathematician and gymnast, is credited with pioneering the use of chalk in climbing during the Although originally known for its frequent use in gymnastics, chalk quickly became the go-to choice for climbers and boulderers, starting in the 70s. 100% Dec 23, 2024 · Rock climbing is an intense and exhilarating sport that demands strength, flexibility, focus, and precision. Dec 22, 2024 · The Key Ingredient: Magnesium Carbonate At its core, rock climbing chalk is made of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). Climbing chalk comes in a wide variety of colors. (Chalk Powder, Hand Chalk) 222 100+ bought in past month $698 Beta Rock Climbing Chalk Premium, Heat Treated Loose Powdered Rock Climbing Chalk Made with 100% Magnesium Carbonate. Magnesium is actually named after Magnesia, a district in the ancient Greek region of Thessaly, where magnesite deposits were first found. It's designed for personal or fitness use rather than high-precision applications and is the least effective at absorbing moisture. Climbing chalk is the same as other athletic chalks, however, such as that used by weight lifters and gymnasts. A more in depth exploration of natural chalk, how it is formed and the advantages of some of its characteristics. Though chalk it is sometimes available in other colors, it’s usually white. This means that it’s much more efficient at absorbing moisture from sweaty hands. Nov 24, 2021 · On a hazy Friday afternoon in Nairobi, Kenya, three teenagers lounge on a boulder pad under the short but colorful walls of Climb BlueSky, bright equatorial sunlight streaming through the open windows. Nowadays most magnesium carbonate comes from mines in China. When applied to the hands, it creates a thin, dry layer that enhances friction between the skin and the climbing holds (whether plastic or natural rock). Blackboard and sidewalk chalk is made from calcium carbonate (CaCO3). However, variations in texture, format, and additives like drying agents can produce different results from one brand of climbing chalk to the next. You will in many instances white chalk, but other colors are possible. These three slides examine the characteristics, properties and manufacturing processes of MgCO3, as well as some of it uses. Gymnasts, weightlifters, and other athletes will put on this compound in order to improve their grip. To date, no scientific research supports this practice; indeed, some evidence suggests that magnesium carbonate could decrease the coefficient of friction. May 16, 2020 · Most climbing chalk is made from magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). Reply reply More replies Spieltheory • Beta Rock Climbing Chalk Premium, Heat Treated Loose Powdered Rock Climbing Chalk Made with 100% Magnesium Carbonate. From what I've read, the way eater binds to each molecule is different. Its lightweight and absorbent qualities make it ideal for improving grip by reducing moisture on the hands. (Chalk P CAP Barbell Gym Chalk, 1 lb Block Now$994 $12. Climbing requires friction between your skin and the holds, so drying them out helps increase this friction. Oct 1, 2024 · The Introduction of Chalk: A Gymnast’s Influence The turning point came in the mid-20th century with the introduction of magnesium carbonate, commonly known as climbing chalk. Magnesium carbonate, Mg CO 3 (archaic name magnesia alba), is an inorganic salt that is a colourless or white solid. this salt can almost be found naturally but requires purification steps. MgCO2, or magnesium carbonate is generally what is used. 100% of Profits Donated. 1. Epic Grip: Say goodbye to slips and hello to epic ascents. This quality makes it perfect for absorbing sweat from your hands, maintaining your grip, and reducing slippage. trueI've done some research, and there's a cheap and easy way to make climbing chalk. Mar 2, 2023 · Climbing chalk primarily comprises magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), which comes from the mineral magnesite. Some brands like Asana White Dirt are just pure magnesium carbonate, while other brands use additives for extra grip/scent/feel/etc. Six floors below, the weekly market bustles with people examining piles of mangoes and gourds and garlic, the sounds of a few loose chickens intermixed in the scene. You will most likely find white chalk, but other colors are possible. May 15, 2023 · What is Climbing Chalk? Climbing chalk is primarily composed of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3 ). Climbing Chalk Alternatives While magnesium carbonate-based climbing chalk is widely used within the climbing community, several alternative options exist for those with specific preferences or concerns. Best chalk for rock climbers and boulderers with a conscience. Jan 16, 2025 · It is made of magnesium carbonate and is available in various forms, including powder, block, and liquid. To make climbing chalk (or laxatives), you have to strip away those impurities. This is why you should only use climbing chalk when climbing; it’s specifically designed to repel water and give you a good grip even when your hands are sweaty. Powdered magnesium carbonate, known as climbing chalk or gym chalk is also used as a drying agent on athletes' hands in rock climbing, gymnastics, powerlifting, weightlifting and other sports in which a firm grip is necessary. What is chalk? Chalk is a soft, white, porous sedimentary rock, a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite. Jun 10, 2019 · OSHA has standards of permissible exposure limits for magnesium carbonate that consider both the concentrations of magnesium carbonate in the air and length of exposure, however without specific data from gyms, there is no way to determine the air quality and how much , if any, magnesium carbonate indoor climbers are exposed to. This means fewer interruptions, less mess, and more focus on the climbing moves ahead. Climbing chalk can come in many different chunkinesses, in block form, or even as a liquid. Our sweaty palms are the enemy of a good grip, and magnesium carbonate effectively soaks up that sweat, creating a drier, more friction-based contact between your hands and the rock Jun 11, 2025 · Your definitive ultimate chalk guide is here. It is a gear found in the bags of gymnasts, rock climbers, weight lifting athletes, etc. The way it is mined and processed also causes a negative impact on the environment. To date, no scientific research supports this practice; indeed, some evidence suggests that magnesium carbonate could decrease the coefficien … The purpose was to determine if pull-up performance was affected by the use of chalk (100% magnesium carbonate) during open-handed and pinch grip weight-assisted pull-ups (WAPU) in recreationally-trained rock climbers. com : Rage Fitness Premium Gym Chalk, Pure Magnesium Carbonate Chalk for Excellent Grip, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, Rock Climbing - Block Chalk 1 LB : Sports & OutdoorsThe List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Jul 9, 2025 · Climbing chalk primarily consists of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), a white, powdery substance that has been used by athletes in various sports for decades. When this mineral is broken down, the result is magnesium carbonate which is known to be very effective in water absorption without breaking down. I don't think there's any point in buying "designer chalk" like Rungne, but I think there's a difference between cheap bulk magnesium carbonate and cheap climbing chalk, even if it is the same chemical. These ingredients help to absorb excess moisture and improve the overall texture of the chalk so that it goes on smoothly and evenly. Mar 27, 2024 · Climbing chalk, made from magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), is used to dry out your hands when climbing. Chalk for rock climbing is made from magnesium carbonate. Perfect for indoor gyms, outdoor bouldering, and sport climbing, this chalk is designed to boost your climbing. 2 days ago · Since 1970, Climbing Magazine has been the voice of the climbing world, publishing climbing news, interviews, features, opinions, and advice. Climbing chalk is generally MgCO3, Magnesium Carbonate. Magnesium Carbonate is said to be hydroscopic, in that it will actually hold water in at the molecular level. This mining process casts a shadow over environmental sustainability. Why? Because it gives a grip that is unparalleled to any other material. The extraction process, involving powerful water jets and grinding, not only consumes substantial energy but also leaves a profound impact on the ecosystems in dolomite-rich regions. Black is the most popular color for chalk. Chalk is made from magnesium carbonate, which is a naturally occurring compound. Furthermore, the reliability Sep 16, 2024 · Pure Ingredients: Made with 100% pure magnesium carbonate, our chalk is free from fillers, drying agents, or any additives - just pure, unadulterated chalk. Mar 30, 2021 · In this article we’ll dive into the fascinating world of magnesium carbonate, discovering what climbing chalk is made of, as well as answers to all of the most asked questions. Made from 100% magnesium carbonate to keep your hands dry on the wall, this 15 oz. This naturally occurring mineral is responsible for chalk's remarkable ability to absorb moisture. May 12, 2020 · A lot of climbing chalk also includes a drying agent. This simple chemical compound is highly effective at absorbing moisture, making it an ideal substance for improving grip in sweaty or humid conditions. This climbing chalk is made with premium quality pure magnesium carbonate. It is made from magnesium carbonate and is essential for gymnasts to perform at their best. It doesn't contain any additives or drying agents, ensuring a clean and reliable grip. To prepare to flash 'Free Rider' in a day, Will Moss rope soloed ‘China Doll’ (5. Get a Grip with our Top-Quality Chalk for Gymnastics! Chalk for gymnastics is a powdery substance used to keep the hands dry and improve grip during gymnastics routines. 14a R) in Boulder Canyon, Colorado on April 13, clipping only gear he placed on lead. This program guides you through the entire year and everyone can do it regardless of age, ability or experience. Jun 20, 2014 · Amazon. Discover magnesium carbonate's science, chalk types, and pro tips for unmatched climbing friction. Several hydrated and basic forms of magnesium carbonate also exist as minerals. Sep 18, 2024 · Abstract The application of chalk (magnesium carbonate) in rock climbing is common practice as climbers attempt to improve their grip by removing moisture from their hands with the aim of increasing friction at the finger pad-rock interface. The chosen 100% magnesium carbonate formulation not only optimizes friction but also keeps your hands dry, reducing moisture-related slipping and ensuring a more secure grip. I still buy cheap bulk chalk, but stick to stuff that's actually marketed for climbing and it works well. Feb 18, 2025 · Some climbers like chalk with drying agents, some like the most affordable chalk they can find, some like chunky, semi-chunky, fine, or superfine chalk, and some like high-end chalk made from pure magnesium carbonate. Chalk, in the form of magnesium carbonate, is commonly used by climbers to help them maintain grip and confidence during climbs. Climbing chalk is made of magnesium carbonate, which dries sweaty palms, provides a better grip, and improves friction between the climber’s skin and the rock. Gym chalk helps athletes improve their grip and performance in various activities, such as weightlifting, gymnastics, and rock climbing. Most climbing chalk these days is All the best climbing chalk is made of magnesium carbonate. May 31, 2019 · Among the event's goals, Color the Crag aims to increase the presence of people of color outside and provide positive representation of climbing among populations of color. Climbing chalk, or magnesium carbonate (MgCO3), has been used by climbers, lifters, gymnasts and many other athletes to reduce moisture and increase friction. What is Climbing Chalk Made Of? Most climbing chalk consists of magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). The carbon emissions associated with the product are reduced where possible, and remaining carbon emissions are offset with third-party verified carbon reduction projects in Feb 2, 2025 · Climbing chalk is made from magnesium carbonate, whereas classroom chalk is made from calcium carbonate. This recipe uses Epsom salt, which is MgSO4, and washing soda, which is Na2CO3, and can be found in laundry About this item 100% Profits Donated: Beta Climbing will donate all profits support The Access Fund to proect rock climbing areas & One Tree Planted to fight climate change. Jul 11, 2025 · Made with 100% magnesium carbonate, this chalk bypasses fillers, additives, and scents to give climbers a simple tool to support them on those tough routes. Most of the expensive brands of chalk use a “purer” form of Magnesium Carbonate which is essentially just much finer. 1 Types of Climbing Chalk Loose Chalk: The basic form, often sold in a chalk bag or refillable tub. This naturally occurring compound is highly effective at absorbing moisture, which is why it’s perfect for keeping your hands dry while climbing. This recipe is for pure magnesium carbonate. Gym chalk is made of magnesium carbonate, a mineral that absorbs moisture and reduces slipping. The chalk helps to absorb sweat and moisture from the hands, allowing the gymnast to perform with confidence and control. It comes in granular or chunk form. Amazon. Jan 17, 2024 · Magnesite is mostly composed of magnesium carbonate, but it has other substances, too. Rogue Gym Chalk is made from the same magnesium carbonate formula that rock climbers trust when their lives depend on a firm grip. From a chemical standpoint, it would depend on what kind of chalk you get. Climbing chalk’s components are the same as the chalk used by other athletes to dry their hands and improve their grip. What is climbing chalk made of? Magnesium carbonate naturally occurs as magnesite (bitter spar) in rocks and stone. Jun 8, 2023 · At its core, climbing chalk consists primarily of magnesium carbonate, an inorganic mineral that doesn’t dissolve in water. I’ve been rock climbing for a while, and have used many different brands and textures of chalk and I’ve always wondered what makes good chalk Nov 10, 2022 · In addition to magnesium carbonate, climbing chalk usually contains some other ingredients like calcium carbonate, kaolin clay, and talc. Did you know that the mining of magnesite (from which climbing chalk is made) causes tons of pollution? If you didn't, Climbing Magazine published an article by Bradley Allf called "The Hidden Environmental Impact of Climbing Chalk" that goes over the process of how magnesium carbonate is made. Dec 31, 2024 · How did our sport evolve in 2024? These were the nine biggest moments in climbing in 2024. Oct 9, 2019 · Reimers Ranch, with 450-plus routes, shows just what can happen when climbers are proactive in working with a private landowner. What is Chalk? May 31, 2022 · Table of Contents Is Climbing Chalk the Same as Blackboard or Sidewalk Chalk? No. fischer scientific has since discontinued the item, carolina laboratories only Jan 7, 2024 · Market trends indicate a significant preference for chalk formulations containing magnesium carbonate, with a steady rise in sales and usage. lmjum dkhtbon yexyfkm eylrg mgdze sdaqdm aulj dzldl ulmc ixh