Calcium

Symbol: Ca

Atomic Number: 20

Atomic Weight: 40.08

Calcium (atomic number 20, symbol Ca) is an alkaline earth metal and one of the most abundant elements found in the Earth's crust in terms of mass. This soft gray element is rather hard, and it is important for life on earth, especially for cell physiology whereby the calcium ion Ca2+ moves out and into the cytoplasm, signaling different cellular processes. It is the main component in the mineralization of shells and bones, and the most abundant element of all by mass in many living organisms. Calcium is an important constituent of teeth, leaves, and bones, and calcium carbonate is...Read More