Calcium is an abundant alkaline earth metal central to bones, shells, limestone, cement, and cellular signalling.
Atomic number
20
Category
Alkaline earth metal
Period
4
Group
2
State
Solid
Fun facts about Calcium
Calcium carbonate occurs in limestone, chalk, and marble.
Calcium ions trigger processes including muscle contraction.
Pure calcium metal tarnishes quickly in air.
Common uses of Calcium
Cement and lime
Metallurgical reducing agent
Dietary and pharmaceutical compounds
Where Calcium sits in the periodic table
Calcium is classified as a alkaline earth metal in period 4 and group 2 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Ca with atomic number 20 and the listed atomic mass 40.078. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.