Chalk One of the most important parts of modern climbing is chalking up your hands to improve performance. The consensus among the community is that the chalk used by climbers to enhance grip increases the coefficient of friction by removing any dampness from your hands. When on both your hands, and the surface you are gripping, however, the coefficient of friction is less than that of someone who was bare-handed. Its primary ingredient is magnesite, which is made up of MgCO3 and iron. MgCO3 is insoluble in water, so it prevents the hands from becoming too moist. water acts as a lubricant, and decreases the coefficient of friction between your hands and the rock. https://gripped.com/indoor-climbing/new-climbers-guide-using-climbing-chalk/