Calcium Flame Test

Identifying calcium by its orange-red flame

Flame Tests Beginner (Middle School) 15 min ~$5.00

Objective

Observe the brick-red to orange-red flame produced by calcium ions, a common element found in limestone, marble, and bones.

Background

Calcium produces a distinctive brick-red to orange-red flame color. The emission results from electronic transitions in calcium atoms excited by the flame energy. Calcium is one of the most abundant elements in the Earth's crust and its flame test is a useful diagnostic tool in mineral identification.

Safety Warnings

  • Wear safety goggles at all times
  • Keep hair tied back near open flames
  • Handle HCl with care

Required PPE

goggles lab_coat

Materials

  • Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) (1 g)
    Common road de-icer
  • Hydrochloric acid (HCl) (10 mL)
    1M concentration
  • Distilled water (50 mL)
    For cleaning

Equipment

Bunsen burner Nichrome wire loop Watch glass Forceps

Procedure

1

Clean the nichrome wire by dipping in HCl and heating until no color appears.

2 min
2

Place calcium chloride on the watch glass and collect a sample on the clean wire.

1 min
3

Hold the wire in the Bunsen burner flame and observe the flame color.

2 min
4

Record the brick-red to orange-red color and note how it differs from strontium and lithium.

2 min

Expected Results

A brick-red to orange-red flame should appear. The color is less vivid than strontium's scarlet and more orange than lithium's crimson. Calcium's flame is moderate in intensity.

Cleanup

Clean the wire with HCl. Dispose of chemicals per lab protocol.

Details

Category
Flame Tests
Difficulty
Beginner (Middle School)
Duration
15 min
Est. Cost
$5.00
Steps
4
Materials
3

More Experiments

Barium Flame Test 20 min Copper Flame Test 15 min Flame Test Comparison Lab 45 min Lithium Flame Test 15 min Potassium Flame Test 20 min Sodium Flame Test 15 min Strontium Flame Test 15 min

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Calcium Flame Test?
Observe the brick-red to orange-red flame produced by calcium ions, a common element found in limestone, marble, and bones.
How difficult is Calcium Flame Test?
This experiment is rated as Beginner (Middle School). It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Calcium Flame Test?
Key safety precautions include: Wear safety goggles at all times; Keep hair tied back near open flames; Handle HCl with care.
What materials are needed for Calcium Flame Test?
The main materials required are: Calcium chloride (CaCl₂), Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Distilled water.
What results should I expect from Calcium Flame Test?
A brick-red to orange-red flame should appear. The color is less vivid than strontium's scarlet and more orange than lithium's crimson. Calcium's flame is moderate in intensity.