Lime

Description

Any of several forms of calcium oxide obtained from heating carbonate calcium carbonate (limestone, marble, chalk, and shells). When calcium carbonate is heated to about 500 C, carbon dioxide is driven off leaving anhydrous oxide calcium oxide or quicklime. When quicklime is soaked in water, it is changed to hydroxide calcium hydroxide or lime slaked lime. Slaked lime that is dried and ground to a fine powder is called hydrated lime or lime hydrate. Lime will eventually harden and react with carbon dioxide to reform calcium carbonate. Lime is used in (masonry) mortar, cement, stucco, glass, whitewash, putty, leather tanning, papermaking, and as a water-softening agent.

Synonyms and Related Terms

calcium oxide; calcium hydroxide; calcia; quicklime; caustic lime; hot lime; hydraulic lime; hydrated lime; burnt lime; chaux (Fr.); cal (Esp., Port.); , Gebrannter Kalk, Gelschter Kalk (Deut.); ongebluste kalk (Ned.)

Other Properties

Slightly soluble in water.

Composition	CaO

Hazards and Safety

Noncombustible. Caustic material that may cause irritation and burns on contact.

Additional Information

Jonathan Taylor, "Lime: The Basics", Building Conservation Directory 2000 : Link