Calcite vs. Calcium — What's the Difference?

It's a major component of limestone and marble.

Calcium ions play a vital role in physiological processes.

Calcite is used in the manufacturing of cement.

It's the fifth most abundant element in the Earth's crust.

Calcite is a carbonate mineral with high birefringence.

Calcium is an essential element in the human diet.

Calcite reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Calcium supplements are used to prevent bone diseases.

It forms in a variety of shapes and colors based on impurities.

As a metal, it's used as a reducing agent in the extraction of other metals.

Calcite is a carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The Mohs scale of mineral hardness, based on scratch hardness comparison, defines value 3 as "calcite".

Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. As an alkaline earth metal, calcium is a reactive metal that forms a dark oxide-nitride layer when exposed to air.

A common crystalline form of natural calcium carbonate, CaCO3, that is the basic constituent of limestone, marble, and chalk. Also called calcspar.

A silvery, moderately hard alkaline-earth metal that constitutes approximately 3.6 percent of the earth's crust and is a basic component of most animals and plants. It occurs naturally in limestone, gypsum, and fluorite, and its compounds are used to make plaster, quicklime, Portland cement, and metallurgic and electronic materials. Atomic number 20; atomic weight 40.08; melting point 842°C; boiling point 1,484°C; specific gravity 1.54; valence 2. See Periodic Table.

(mineral) a very widely distributed crystalline form of calcium carbonate, CaCO₃, found as limestone, chalk and marble

The chemical element (Symbol Ca), with an atomic number 20. It is a soft, silvery-white alkaline earth metal which occurs naturally as carbonate in limestone and as silicate in many rocks.

Calcium carbonate, or carbonate of lime. It is rhombohedral in its crystallization, and thus distinguished from aragonite. It includes common limestone, chalk, and marble. Called also calc-spar and calcareous spar.

(countable) An atom of this element.

A common mineral consisting of crystallized calcium carbonate; a major constituent of limestone

An elementary substance; a metal which combined with oxygen forms lime. It is of a pale yellow color, tenacious, and malleable. It is a member of the alkaline earth group of elements. Atomic weight 40. Symbol Ca.

A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light; the fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust; an important component of most plants and animals

Calcium is a chemical element vital for many physiological processes in living organisms, including bone and tooth formation.

The body uses calcium for bone and teeth structure, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.

Calcite is a mineral form of calcium carbonate, thus containing calcium in its chemical structure.

Yes, calcite is found in items like toothpaste, plastics, and paper as a filler or extender.

Calcite reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide, water, and calcium salts.

Calcite is a mineral, while limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcite.

Calcium is not found in its pure form in nature due to its reactivity with water and air; it is usually found in compounds.

While supplements can help, dietary sources of calcium are generally recommended for their additional nutritional benefits.

Calcite is primarily used in the production of cements and lime, and as a neutralizer in acidic environments.

Calcite is used to neutralize acidic conditions in water treatment processes, improving water quality and pH balance.

Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods are common dietary sources of calcium.

While difficult to see without magnification, the birefringence of calcite can be observed with polarized light sources.

Calcium is essential for plant structure, cell wall stability, and growth.

In its natural form, calcite poses no significant health risks, but inhalation of calcite dust can irritate respiratory pathways.

Calcium is typically extracted through electrolysis of fused calcium chloride or as a byproduct of the Kroll process.