GCC vs PCC
Ground (GCC) and precipitated (PCC) calcium carbonate are used for the same broad jobs but differ in cost, brightness and particle control. Compare and decide which to specify.
Both are CaCO3 and both fill the same roles in plastics, coatings and paper. The decision is mostly about how much you will pay for brightness and engineered particle shape versus cost per tonne at scale.
How they are made
GCC is natural calcite ground and classified — our standard TDHX-CC-2023-07 runs CaCO3 88–98%, whiteness 75–97%, D50 2.9–7.5 µm. PCC is made by chemical precipitation, which can push brightness and fineness higher but costs more to produce.
GCC keeps particle shape from the natural mineral; PCC can be engineered into cubes, needles or coated forms.
Which to specify
For most filler and extender uses — bulk plastics, cost-sensitive coatings, rubber, mortar — GCC is the economical default. Choose PCC when you need top brightness, a specific engineered particle shape, or very fine, narrow distribution that grinding cannot reach.
If budget and brightness at volume lead, GCC; if a precise particle design leads, PCC.
Supply note
We supply GCC across 10 mesh to 3000 mesh; tell us your brightness and fineness target and we will match the grade and quote.
For magnesium or talc options, see our other guides.
Related applications
Need a custom specification?
Tell us your target mesh size, whiteness and application. We send samples and a quotation within 24 hours.