Substance profile
Calcium
Calcium is lustrous, silver-white surface (when freshly cut).
01 · Identification
What Calcium is
Calcium is lustrous, silver-white surface (when freshly cut). Its molecular formula is Ca and its molecular weight is 40.08 g/mol. It boils at 1484 °C, melts at 842 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as reactive agents - 2nd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H261 | In contact with water releases flammable gases. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Calcium properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 1484 °C (2703.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 1490 °C (2714 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 842 °C (1547.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 850 °C (1562 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 839 °C (1542.2 °F) | range, midpoint shown | ICSC | |
| Density | 1.54 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
| 1.55 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 20 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| Solubility | Insoluble in benzene; reacts with water | HSDB | |
| Insoluble in and inert towards benzene, kerosene. | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: reaction | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | 10 mmHg | at 983 °C | HSDB |
| negligible | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | -27.78 °C (-18 °F) | CAMEO |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Calcium
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from water, alcohols, acids, and halogens. Immediately remove and properly dispose of any spilled material.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Calcium reacts violently with acids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Boron trifluoride reacts with incandescence when heated with alkali metals or alkaline earth metals except magnesium [Merck 11th ed. 1989]. Calcium reacts violently with acids [Lab. Govt. Chemist 1965]. Finely divided calcium burns spontaneously in chlorine at elevated temperatures [Mellor 3:637, 638, 651 1946-47]. Finely divided or massive calcium burns spontaneously in fluorine at ordinary temperatures. It is incompatible with metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, chlorine fluorides, dinitrogen tetraoxide, and sulfur(with sulfur reacts explosively when ignited) [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Calcium in the storage compatibility matrix →