Calcium (Ca): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Calcium is element 20 on the periodic table, an alkaline earth metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DCalcium quick facts
| Atomic number | 20 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ca |
| Atomic mass | 40.078 |
| Category | Alkaline Earth Metal |
| Group and period | Group 2, period 4 |
| Block | s-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 4s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 8, 2 |
| Discovered | 1808, Davy |
What is calcium used for?
- Cement & concrete construction
- Calcium supplements for bone health
- Steel production (removes impurities)
Interesting facts about calcium
- The human body contains about 1 kg of calcium. 99% is in bones and teeth
- Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in Earth's crust
- Limestone, chalk, marble and pearls are all forms of calcium carbonate
Calcium was discovered in 1808 by Davy in Britain.
Where calcium sits on the periodic table
Calcium is in group 2, period 4. Tap any element to open its page.
Other alkaline earth metals
Calcium questions
What is the atomic number of calcium?
Calcium has atomic number 20, so every calcium atom has 20 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Ca and its atomic mass is 40.078.
Is calcium a metal?
Calcium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as an alkaline earth metal, found in group 2, period 4.
What is the electron configuration of calcium?
The electron configuration of calcium is [Ar] 4s². Its electrons sit in 4 shells: 2, 8, 8, 2.
What is calcium used for?
Calcium is used for cement & concrete construction, calcium supplements for bone health and steel production (removes impurities).
Who discovered calcium?
Calcium was discovered in 1808 by Davy in Britain.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.