The name “calcium” comes from calx, the Latin word for limestone.

It was first discovered by the legendary scientist Humphry Davy in the year 1808.

Calcium is part of the alkaline earth metals and is soft enough to be cut with a knife.

It is the fifth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.

In its purest form, calcium is too reactive to be found in nature.

Calcium reacts with water and produces calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

When burned, it glows orange-red.

Your body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium efficiently.

Good natural sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy greens, fish, and sardines.

Too much calcium can lead to kidney stones, and an overdose may cause confusion and nausea.

Calcium makes up much of limestone, marble, and some of gypsum.

Calcium is crucial in the formation of hard water.

It plays a vital role in most organisms. For example, it is essential for the formation of bones and teeth, muscle movement, growth spurts, blood clotting, shell and coral formation, and is a key component of tooth enamel.

Calcium is often added to soil to reduce its acidity.

It is also an important ingredient in de-icers used during winter to prevent walkways and roads from freezing.

Calcium has been detected in many stars throughout the universe.