Calcium

What Is Calcium?

Calcium is a special kind of material called a chemical element. It has the symbol Ca and the atomic number 20. Calcium is very common and can be found all around us! It is the fifth most common thing in the Earth's crust and the third most common metal, after iron and aluminium.

Where Do We Find Calcium?

We can find calcium in rocks like limestone. It is also in minerals such as gypsum, anhydrite, fluorite, and apatite. People have used calcium for thousands of years, even before they knew what it was! The pure metal was first made in 1808 by a scientist named Humphry Davy using a special process called electrolysis.

Why Is Calcium Important?

Calcium is very important for our bodies. It is the most common metal in the human body. Calcium helps our muscles move, lets our nerves send messages, and helps build strong bones. We find calcium in many foods and medicines. It is used to make paper, cement, and soaps too!

Fun Facts About Calcium

• Calcium looks like a soft, silvery metal.
• It can react with water to make new substances.
• It is used in foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese to help us stay healthy.
• You can also find calcium in fish like sardines and salmon, as well as in kale and fortified breakfast cereals.

Calcium is all around us, and it helps keep our bodies strong and healthy!