Alkali Earth Metal

Calcium

Calcium has an atomic number of 20 and an atomic mass of 40.078.

Calcium melts at high temperatures and therefore remains sold in fire, hence giving it the name earth metal. Calcium is the 5th most abundant element in the earth’s crust, the 5th most abundant dissolved ion in seawater and the most abundant metal by mass in many living creatures. Calcium is essential for living things, particularly for cell physiology where the calcium ion travels in and out of the cytoplasm of cells which functions as a signal for cellular processes.

Calcium is a key component in nutritional health, it is necessary for life and keeps bones healthy and strong. While 99% of calcium is stored in bones and teeth, the rest of it is used in exocytosis for neurotransmission and muscle contraction. Calcium is especially important for the conduction system of the heart. Vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium so if you take a supplement make sure there is some vitamin D along with it.