Abstract: A method for the production of natural and/or synthetic carbonates, and more particularly calcium carbonates, with a high BET/N.sub.2 specific surface area of over 20 m.sup.2 /g, and more particularly of between 20 to 50 m.sup.2 /g, utilizes an inherently known mill such as an agitating ball mill. The carbonates in an aqueous suspension are wet ground and the entire suspension is recirculated; that is, subjected to additional wet grinding, until the final product has the desired specific surface area. Furthermore, the solids concentration during the entire duration of the wet grinding operation is maintained at no more than 24% by weight. The products of the method have surprisingly valuable properties and can be employed in the plastics industry, in sealants, in the rubber industry, in printing inks, in cosmetics, in pharmaceuticals, in cigarette paper, in wood varnishes, in high gloss paper and in plastisols.

Abstract: Carbonate-containing mineral fillers, pigments and similar materials are disclosed which are characterized by a combination of four features. These carbonate-containing materials can be used in particular in dyes, paints, paper pulps, paper coatings and plastics to great advantage. In addition, a method of preparing these carbonate-containing materials is disclosed.

Abstract: Mineral filler such as calcium carbonate, having at most 15% by weight of particles which are smaller than 0.2 .mu.m with a corresponding spherical diameter, method of preparation, and use thereof are provided.