Limewater

Description

An aqueous solution of Calcium hydroxide produced by slaking Lime. Limewater, is a colorless somewhat milky solution that is strongly alkaline even though calcium hydroxide is only slightly soluble in water. Limewater was used to saturate plaster before the application of secco colors. It is also used in Calamine solutions and as an antacid.

Synonyms and Related Terms

calcium hydroxide; milk of lime; lime water

Risks

• ThermoFisher: SDS

Physical and Chemical Properties

A saturated solution of calcium hydroxide has a pH of 12.4.

Composition	Ca(OH)2
CAS	1305-62-0
Melting Point	580 C (dec)
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 74.1

Resources and Citations

• Thomas Gregory, The Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Reinhold Publishing, New York, 3rd ed., 1942

• Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)

• Matt Roberts, Don Etherington, Bookbinding and the Conservation of Books: a Dictionary of Descriptive Terminology, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1982

• Eric Hansen, contributed information (April 2001)

• 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