Calcium Metal

A fifth most copious metallic element, Calcium metal constitutes over three percent of the total in Earth's crust, and is a trimorphous metal that is firmer than sodium but softer than aluminum. The elemental form of calcium metal cannot be found in nature, but occurs in abundance as fluorite, limestone, and gypsum. Calcium metal is acquired 98.6% unadulterated through electrolysis of fused anhydrous chloride where calcium fluoride is added to reduce its melting point. Through further uplifting, the pureness of 99.5% can be obtained.

Calcium metal is silvery white to yellowish in color and is deemed hard. Chemically, the element belongs to the group of alkaline earth constituents. When heating in air, calcium burns with luminous white light having yellow-red flame, forming primarily the nitride. Calcium metal oxidizes easily, and in air creates white covering of nitride. The commercially manufactured calcium metal easily reacts with acids and waters, yielding hydrogen that has visible amounts of hydrocarbons and ammonia as impurities.

Calcium metal works as an alloying agent for metals that bear aluminum, aiding in the removal of bismuth on lead, and functions as a graphic carbon controller in cast iron. It is also utilized as deoxidizer in many steel manufacturing, works as reducing agent in the preparation of metals such as thorium, uranium, chromium, and zirconium, as well as separating materials for mixtures of gases such as argon and nitrogen.

Since calcium metal has strong similarity for Sulphur and oxygen, it is used as cleanser for alloys that are nonferrous. When it is used as a deoxidizer, decarburiser, and desulphuriser for a range of nonferrous and ferrous alloys, it is applied in the form of lump or stick metal. Calcium metal also serves as "residual-gas-getter' in vacuum tubes, as well as used as a lead hardener. It is also utilized as lead alloying element in industries that manufacture automotive batteries which are "maintenance-free".

Calcium metal has potential hazardous health effects when exposed through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, eye contact, or chronic exposure. Inhalation of calcium metal produces harmful effects to the upper respiratory tract and mucous membranes, causing irritation of the throat and nose, as well as labored breathing and lung edema. Once ingested, it can become an irritant due to caustic lime formation through reaction with moisture. Ingestion in big amounts can have corrosive effect, as well as possible nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal stricture or pain. Skin and eye contact can result to redness, severe burns pain, or damage to tissues of the eyes. In cases like this, a medical emergency is needed.