Eggshell Powder, Brand Name : AA Enterprises

🥚 The eggshell is the hard, protective outer covering of an egg, most commonly studied in birds like the domestic chicken.  

​🔬 Composition and Structure

​Primary Material: The eggshell is composed almost entirely (about 94-97%) of calcium carbonate (\text{CaCO}_3) crystals, specifically in the form of calcite.  

​Other Components: It also contains small amounts of other minerals like magnesium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and traces of sodium, potassium, zinc, and iron.  

​Organic Matrix: The calcium carbonate crystals are stabilized by an organic protein matrix. This matrix is crucial for forming the shell's crystalline structure and influencing its strength.  

​Pores and Cuticle: The shell is a semipermeable membrane perforated by thousands of tiny pores (around 7,000 to 17,000 in a chicken egg). These pores allow for the exchange of gases (\text{O}_2 and \text{CO}_2) and moisture, which is necessary for the developing embryo. The outer surface is covered by a thin protein coating called the bloom or cuticle, which helps prevent bacteria and dust from entering the pores.  

​Internal Membranes: Lying just inside the shell are the inner and outer shell membranes, which are made of protein (partly keratin) fibers. These membranes provide an additional defense against bacterial invasion and create the air cell when the egg cools.  

​🌱 Common Uses

​Due to their high calcium content, eggshells are frequently repurposed:

​Calcium Supplement: Cleaned and ground eggshells can be used as a cost-effective, natural dietary calcium supplement for humans and animals.  

​Gardening/Compost: Crushed eggshells are added to soil or compost to provide calcium for plants, which helps with cell wall construction and moderates soil acidity.  

​Pest Control: Scattered, crushed eggshells can act as a natural deterrent against soft-bodied garden pests like slugs and snails, which dislike the sharp edges.  

​Abrasive Cleaner: They can be used with soapy water as a mild, non-toxic abrasive for cleaning tough spots on pots and pans.