Mineralization is a
natural process
CO₂ reacts with certain minerals and becomes a stable solid called a carbonate. In simple terms, carbon goes from air into stone. The storage is long duration.
How mineralization works
Mineralization stores carbon in solid mineral form for very long periods and does not rely on biological systems.
Stable outcome
CO₂ binds with calcium or magnesium in mineral-rich materials and forms solid carbonates. Once formed, these materials hold carbon for over 1,000 years.
Passive chemistry
The reaction proceeds at the surface of the material when exposed to air and moisture, increasing the surface area gives the reaction more contact points. There are no added chemicals or combustion.
Evidence friendly
As the material is a solid, it is possible to sample, measure, and document the change.
What mineralization looks like
Before and after mineral uptake
Mineralization is a natural reaction at the surface of certain minerals. With air and moisture present, CO₂ bonds and becomes solid carbonate.
In this image: Crushed, mineral-rich material on the left. The same material after exposure on the right, where CO₂ has bonded at the surface to form stable carbonates.
FAQs
Does mineralization need extra energy or chemicals?
No. The reaction proceeds at the surface with air and moisture. We focus on preparation and placement, then measure the results.
How is durability assessed?
Durability comes from the solid carbonate material. Evidence is provided through monitoring, sampling, and transparent reporting.
What changes are needed on site?
Material is prepared to increase surface area and placed for exposure. Projects are co-located within existing site areas.
How do credits map to what happens on the ground?
Each credit includes site and batch IDs, dates, and supporting records that show how the ton was measured.
How fast does mineralization occur?
Rates depend on material chemistry, particle size, temperature, and humidity. Increasing the surface area through material preparation creates more contact points where CO₂ can react, which speeds uptake. With consistent exposure to air and ambient moisture, meaningful change can occur in weeks rather than years. In controlled comparisons we have observed up to 250× faster uptake versus untreated material. Progress is confirmed through monitoring and periodic sampling, not by visual change alone.
Glossary
Carbonate: The solid mineral formed when CO₂ reacts with suitable minerals. This is the storage form
Material preparation: Steps that increase surface area, which helps the reaction proceed efficiently
MRV: Monitoring, reporting, and verification. The process that confirms and documents carbon removal.
MRV: Monitoring, reporting, and verification. The process that confirms and documents carbon removal.
Percent carbonation: A measure of how much of the reactive portion of the material has converted to carbonate.
