Abstract: The invention concerns a micronized alkaline earth metal carbonate prepared with or without the use of an agent preventing crystal growth, and a process for its preparation and use. The prepared micronized calcium carbonate, barium carbonate with a BET surface area ranging from 3 to 30 m2/g or strontium carbonate with a BET surface area ranging from 3 to 50 m2/g is suitable in particular for preparing capacitors, thermistors and other oxide ceramic electrical components containing calcium oxide, barium oxide or strontium oxide, and high-temperature superconductors. Ammonium salts or alkylammonium salts of carboxylic acids having a total of between 3 and 12 carbon atoms and at least two COOH groups or at least two OH groups, e.g. salts of maleic acid or nitric acid, are used as agents preventing crystal growth.

Abstract: A method for preparing granulated alkaline earth metal carbonate, particularly barium carbonate or strontium carbonate, by adding a binding agent and optionally water; granulating the resulting mixture, preferably in the presence of water; drying the granular product; and optionally subjecting the granular product to a high-temperature treatment, in which the material to be granulated and the granulated material do not contact any inorganic refractory material during the granulation, during subsequent drying, and during any high-temperature treatment.