It is a metallic element, first isolated in 1808 by Sir Humphrey Davy. It is a silver-white, soft, malleable Alkaline-Earth metal. The fifth most abundant element (3.64%) of the earth's crust, it is not found uncombined but occurs in numerous compounds, e.g. Apatite, Calcite, Dolomite, Iceland Spar, Limestone, and marble.

Calcium acts as a reducing agent in the preparation of other metals. It occurs in most plant and animal matter, and is essential for the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth. Calcium helps to regulate the heartbeat and is necessary for blood clotting.