Discovered in: 1808

Discovered by: Sir Humphry Davy of England

Description: Named from the Latin word meaning "lime", calcium is a fairly soft, silvery-white metal. It is very abundant in the Earth's crust, being the fifth most abundant element. It is reactive in the presence of oxygen and water, although not as reactive as magnesium. Calcium is used in alloys with other metals and in purifying zirconium, thorium, uranium and several of the rare-earth metals. It is a scavenger and can purify molten metals of impurities, especially carbon, sulfur and oxygen. Calcium with oxygen forms lime, which is used extensively. It can be converted into quicklime, which is a cheap industrial base, and is used in the production of pure metals, water treatment and many building materials, such as cement, wall board, plaster and plaster of Paris.

Biological Rating: Essential to life processes in plants and animals.

Biological Benefits: Calcium is essential to life. It is one of the six bulk elements, being the 5th most common element in the human body. It is a structural material, being present in cell walls, bones, teeth, shells and leaves. It has a role in regulating the heartbeat and in blood clotting.

Percentage Amount in the Human Body: 1.43 %