CO32- (carbonate ion)

The carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) is a chemical species made up of one carbon atom and three oxygen atoms, carrying a negative charge of two. It commonly occurs in nature, often found in materials like limestone and marble. Carbonate ions play a crucial role in processes such as the formation of rocks, the regulation of pH in water, and the cycling of carbon in the environment. They are vital for marine life, as many organisms use carbonate to build shells and skeletons. Understanding carbonate is important in fields like environmental science, geology, and chemistry.