Calcium morphenate is a calcium salt which is produced by using calcium carbonate to raise the pH of an aqueous solution of opium alkaloids to 9.1. This is a method used in pharmaceutical manufacturing to separate morphine from other alkaloids and inert materials from the opium solution. When Poppy Straw Concentrate, or opium latex is dissolved in hot water and the calcium carbonate is added, the chemical, which is insoluble in these conditions, forms a white clump precipitate. This precipitate is treated with chemicals to complete the extraction process and yield pure morphine base.