Paramount Chemicals & Plastics, Inc.

Properties

Molecular formula

Molar mass

Appearance

Density

Melting point

Structure

Molecular shape

Dipole moment

Hazards

Main hazards

NFPA 704

Risks

Safety

Flash point

Autoignition
temperature

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Other anions

Other cautions

Related compounds

Description

Lime is a general term for various naturally occurring minerals and materials derived from them, in which carbonates, oxides and hydroxides of calcium predominate. It is also name for single mineral (native lime) of the CaO composition, occurring very rarely. The word 'lime' originates with its earliest use as building mortar and has the the sense of 'sticking or adhering'. [1]

These materials are still used in large quantities as building and engineering materials (including limestone products, concrete and mortar) and as chemical feedstocks, among other uses. Lime industries and the use of many of the resulting products date from prehistoric periods in both the Old World and the New World.

The rocks and minerals from which these materials are derived, typically limestone or chalk, are composed primarily of calcium carbonate. They may be cut, crushed or pulverized and chemically altered. "Burning" (calcination) converts them into the highly caustic material quicklime (calcium oxide, CaO) and, through subsequent addition of water, into the less caustic (but still strongly alkaline) slaked lime or hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2), the process of which is called slaking of lime.

When the term is encountered in an agricultural context, it probably refers to agricultural lime. Otherwise it most commonly means slaked lime, as the more dangerous form is usually described more specifically as quicklime or burnt lime.

Uses

Agricultural lime is a soil additive made from pulverized limestone or chalk. The primary active component is calcium carbonate. Additional chemicals vary depending on the mineral source and may include calcium oxide, magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate.

Effects on soil:

it increases the pH of acidic soil (the higher the pH the less acidic the soil)
it provides a source of calcium for plants
it permits improved water penetration for acidic soils

SAFETY

International Chemical Safety Card

Lime – Commercial Grade

Product Specification