Calcium Compounds

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDReviewed by Sally Robertson, B.Sc.

Calcium forms several compounds in nature and many of these have a wide variety of uses. Some examples of calcium compounds include:

• Hydroxylapatite, formed from calcium and phosphate. This forms the mineral portion of the bones and teeth.
• Calcium carbonate is used to make cement and mortar and also in the glass industry. Calcium carbonate is also added to toothpaste and mineral supplements.
• Calcium hydroxide, is used in the detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) as it turns cloudy in the presence of CO2
• Calcium carbide is a compound that is used in the manufacture of plastics and to make the acetylene gas use in torches
• Calcium phosphide is used as a rodenticide and also in fireworks and flares.
• Calcium phosphate is used in animal feed and fertilizers.
• Calcium sulfate is used to make chalk for the blackboard and in its hemihydrate form, is also known of as Plaster of Paris.
• Calcium gluconate is used as in vitamin tablets
• Calcium stearate is used in the manufacture of wax crayons, cosmetics, plastics and paints
• Other calcium compounds include calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium cyanamide and calcium hypochlorite.

Further Reading

• All Calcium Content
• Calcium - What is Calcium?
• Uses of Calcium
• Calcium and Diet
• Calcium Health Risks