In addition to high calcium lime types, dolomitic quicklime and hydrated lime, containing magnesium as well as calcium compounds, are also produced. It is used in many of the products and materials all Americans use every day, including paper, steel, sugar, plastics, paint, and many more. Lime is truly THE versatile chemical for todays market. Indeed, lime is substantially less expensive than potential substitutes for virtually all of its applications. In addition, lime is convenient to use.
Lime is available in bulk or in bags, and can be shipped by rail, truck or barge.
The distribution of numerous lime producers across the United States and Canada means that most users can find a nearby source of lime, keeping transportation costs to a minimum. The lime industry, although small compared to some other industries, is essential to the U.S. economy. It provides jobs to workers in 33 states, and represents a significant investment in land and equipment. Even more important, because lime is basic to the manufacture of steel and numerous other products, millions of jobs are dependent upon lime's continued availability. Furthermore, without lime, the cost of virtually all consumer goods would increase due to the use of more expensive alternatives to lime.