Calcium

A silvery white metal which is obtained by the electrolysis of molten calcium chloride. One of the most abundant metal elements on Earth, but it never occurs as the pure element.

The main deposits are limestone (CaCO₃ ), Dolomite (CaCO₃ .MgCO₃ ) and Gypsum (CaSO₄ .2H₂O).

Calcium compounds have many applications;

• to dry gases
• agricultural
• construction

There is 1kg of calcium in every person.

Calcium carbide

Usually formed by fusing lime and hard coal in a furnace.

Trade name: Carbide

Chemical formula: CaC₂

Calcium carbonate

Trade name: Chalk, Limestone.

Chemical formula: CaCO₃

Calcium chloride

Absorbs moisture from the atmosphere and is used for drying gases.

Chemical formula: CaCl₂

Calcium hydroxide

Trade name: Slaked lime

Chemical formula: Ca(OH)₂

Calcium hypochlorite

Trade name: Bleaching powder

Chemical formula: CaCl(OCl)

Calcium monoxide

Trade name: Quicklime

Chemical formula: CaO

Calcium sulphate

Used to make plaster of paris and plaster.

Trade name: Gysum

Chemical formula: CaSO₄2H₂O

See also: Chemical Table.