Occurrence Calcium is widely found as its carbonate being a constituent of rocks. Chalk, limestone and marble are different crystalline forms of calcium carbonate which occur in mountain ranges. The mixed carbonate, Dolomite, also occurs in mountain rocks. Calcium also occurs as soluble salts in natural waters and is responsible for its hardness. Extraction Preparation Manufacture Calcium is prepared by the Electrolysis of fused anhydrous calcium chloride and calcium fluoride at 700 degC. Properties Calcium is a silver-white lustrous metal, which tarnishes slowly in air.
Calcium is as approximately as hard as tin.
Reactions Calcium is highly reactive chemically, and oxidised slowly in air. Calcium burns rapidly when heated in air to form calcium oxide. H2 Uses Calcium is used as a component in lead alloys used in bearings, as a Reducing Agent , or as a dehydrating agent, in organic chemistry, and in medicine, where calcium carbonate is used as antacids. Detection and Analysis Calcium is detected by the brick red colouration it imparts to a flame. All Rights Reserved.