Calcium silicate

Description

Any of the silicates of calcium. Calcium silicate occurs naturally in several minerals: Wollastonite, Diopside, Anorthite, lawsonite and Tremolite. Calcium silicates are used in the manufacture of Glass, Porcelain, molecular sieves, Wallboard, and Portland cement. Wollastonite is used as a bubble-free white opacifier in glazes. Calcium silicates are also used as fillers for paper and plastics. In general, they are highly absorbent.

Synonyms and Related Terms

tabular spar; calcium metasilicate; wollastonite; diopside; anorthite; tremolite; lawsonite; portland cement

Other Properties

Forms gel with acids. Insoluble in water but can absorb up to 6 times its weight of water.

Composition	CaSiO3
CAS	1344-95-2
Density	2.9

Hazards and Safety

Inhalation of dust causes irritation.

Authority

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Susan E. Schur, Conservation Terminology: A review of Past & Current Nomenclature of Materials, Technology and Conservation, Spring (p.34-39); Summer (p.35-38); Fall (p.25-36), 1985

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 1749