Overview

The term calcium silicate (KAL-see-um SILL-i-kate) applies to a number of related compounds consisting of calcium, silicon, and oxygen, all of which tend to occur in a hydrated form. The most common of these forms is calcium metasilicate, for which data are given above. Calcium silicates with the formulas Ca₂SiO₄ and Ca₃SiO₅ are also well known.

Calcium silicate is a component of many minerals, including afwillite, akermanite, andradite, calcite, centrallasite, crestmoreite, diopside, eaklite, grammite, gyrolite, hillebrandite, larnite, and wollastonite. In its pure form, calcium metasilicate is a white to off-white color capable of absorbing up to two and a half times its weight of water. In this form, the hydrated powder retains its ability to flow freely. Addition of a mineral acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) results in the formation of a gel.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Calcium metasilicate

Formula:

CaSiO₃

Elements: