Calcium History

In a modern day context, calcium is well known to be associated with aiding human nutrition and growth. However, the history of calcium can be traced back to the 1800s, when Sir Humphrey Davy in England first discovered it. It was rumored that the Romans have prepared a form of calcium called lime back in the first century, but it was not officially recognized until the early 19th century (Holden).

Calcium or Ca has an atomic number of 20, meaning at its most stable state there are 20 protons in its nucleus. It is placed in the second column or in technical terms, the alkaline earth family on the periodic table. It has two valence electrons on its most outer shells, allowing it to be reactive as a reducing agent (gives away electrons). Interestingly, “[c]alcium is the 5th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, making up 3.22% of the earth, air, and oceans” (Holden). However, calcium isn’t

commonly found as an individual element in nature, but varieties of calcium compounds are very common such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is a major contribution to our health, and environment.
The most significant relationship calcium has with carbon is the calcium carbonate compound they both form (along with Oxygen).

The product of CaCO3 is formed, “…from the reaction of carbon dioxide with burnt (I) or slaked lime (II)” (Kroker, Rohleder, Tegethoff). Historians and scientists have concluded that the natural element, calcium, was molded into different compounds due to the underwater pressure that collided with the volcanic rocks. In contrast, with high concentrations of carbon dioxide and low pressure, these calcium compounds can also be dissolved. The change in water pressure was due to drastic globate climate changes, and deformations of the seabed. This phenomenon can be hypothesized as the time when the Earth’s plates began shifting and colliding. As time progresses, vast limestone deposits on lakes and oceans (Kroker, Rohleder, Tegethoff). Calcium is not only known the main component for our teeth and bones, but aquatic life also depends on it (i.e. mussels and mollusks). Marble and chalk are also forms of calcium that undergo particular

transformations.
In short, these two organic elements have a direct relationship with each other. Rain along with carbon in the air produces a weak carbonic acid, and dissolves the calcium concentrations in rocks. This phenomenon leads to calcium ions being present in water and reforming at the lowest sea level, restarting the cycle over again (Kroker, Rohleder, Tegethoff).