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Calcium Element symbol...CA Atomic weight...40.08 Element number...20 Number
of protons...20 Number of electrons...20 Number of neutrons...20 Density
at...68? F Boiling point...2,264?F Melting point...1,562?F Calcium was
discovered by Sir Humphrey Davis in 1808. Calcium is a mineral found in
abundance in the Earth’s outer crust. It is the fifth most abundant mineral in
the Earth crust. Calcium is considered a major mineral because it is found in
large quantity in the body. Milk also has a high amount of calcium and it is the
best way to get calcium. Daily dietary requirements exceed over 100 mg.
Calcium
forms and maintains teeth, it helps with blood clotting, it helps build cell
membranes, helps contract muscles, helps nerve transmissions and if the bones
did not get calcium they would not grow properly. Plants also need calcium to
grow because without and adequate supply of calcium to enrich the soil they
would die. Calcium is never found as a pure element in nature.
It is found as
calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide (also know as lime(lime stone)), chalk, Iceland
spar, coral, pearls, egg shells and calcium carbonate which makes up marble and
gypsum. Lime stone and marble are used for buildings and building. Gypsum is
found in plaster, when in crystal form it is called alabaster which is used by
sculptors to carve, it is also found in cement.
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