Calcium forms several compounds in nature and many of these have a wide variety of uses. Some examples of calcium compounds include:
Hydroxylapatite, formed from calcium and phosphate. This forms the mineral portion of the bones and teeth.
Calcium carbonate is used to make cement and mortar and also in the glass industry. Calcium carbonate is also added to toothpaste and mineral supplements.
Calcium hydroxide, is used in the detection of carbon dioxide (CO2) as it turns cloudy in the presence of CO2
Calcium carbide is a compound that is used in the manufacture of plastics and to make the acetylene gas use in torches
Calcium phosphide is used as a rodenticide and also in fireworks and flares.
Calcium phosphate is used in animal feed and fertilizers.
Calcium sulfate is used to make chalk for the blackboard and in its hemihydrate form, is also known of as Plaster of Paris.
Calcium gluconate is used as in vitamin tablets
Calcium stearate is used in the manufacture of wax crayons, cosmetics, plastics and paints
Other calcium compounds include calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium cyanamide and calcium hypochlorite.