Calcium ores are naturally occurring rocks and minerals from which calcium can be economically extracted. While elemental calcium isn't found in nature, calcium-containing compounds are abundant and form various ores.
The major mined calcium ores include:
- Calcite (CaCO3): A common carbonate mineral and the principal constituent of limestone and marble. It is used in various industries, including cement production, agriculture (for soil treatment), and as a building material.
- Dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2): A double carbonate of calcium and magnesium. It's used as a source of magnesium oxide, as a soil conditioner, and as an aggregate for concrete.
- Gypsum (CaSO4ยท2H2O): A hydrated calcium sulfate mineral. It's primarily used to manufacture plaster of Paris, drywall, and as a soil amendment.
- Anhydrite (CaSO4): An anhydrous calcium sulfate mineral, closely related to gypsum. It's used in cement production and as a soil conditioner.
These calcium ores are essential resources for producing calcium and calcium compounds, which are vital for various industrial and agricultural applications. The leading countries in calcium production on an industrial scale are Russia, China, the USA, and France.
