Lime vs. Quicklime: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Lime is calcium carbonate, often used in agriculture, while quicklime is calcium oxide, used in cement and industrial applications.
Key Differences
Lime, primarily calcium carbonate (CaCO3), is a natural product used in agriculture to neutralize acidic soil. Quicklime, or calcium oxide (CaO), is a caustic alkaline substance produced by heating lime in a kiln.
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Nov 23, 2023
Lime is less reactive and safer for general use, often found in gardening and construction materials. Quicklime is more reactive and requires careful handling, mainly used in industrial settings.
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Nov 23, 2023
In water treatment, lime is used for softening and pH adjustment. Quicklime, due to its higher reactivity, is employed in more intensive industrial processes like steel manufacturing.
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Lime has a long history in construction, used in mortars and plasters. Quicklime reacts with water in a process called slaking, forming hydrated lime used in modern construction.
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Environmentally, lime contributes to carbon sequestration through its carbonation process. Quicklime, on the other hand, has a high energy demand for production, impacting its environmental footprint.
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Nov 23, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Environmental Impact
Lower energy demand, carbon sequestration
Higher energy demand for production
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Lime and Quicklime Definitions
Lime
A color resembling that of lime fruit, a shade of green.
The room was painted in a vibrant lime color.
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Quicklime
A caustic, alkaline, white crystalline substance, calcium oxide.
Quicklime is used in the production of cement.
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Nov 23, 2023
Lime
To treat or coat with lime.
They limed the walls to create a rustic look.
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Quicklime
Used in the process of slaking to produce lime.
They added water to quicklime for slaking.
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Lime
Any of several evergreen trees or shrubs of the genus Citrus having edible green or greenish-yellow fruit, especially the Mexican lime and the Persian lime.
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Quicklime
Used in steelmaking and other industrial processes.
The steel industry consumes large quantities of quicklime.
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Lime
The fruit of any of these plants, having a pulpy interior and usually acid juice.
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Quicklime
Historically used in mortars and plasters.
Historical buildings often contain quicklime in their original mortars.
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Quicklime
A desiccant and dehydrating agent in chemical processes.
Quicklime effectively absorbs moisture from the air.
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Lime
Any of various mineral and industrial forms of calcium oxide differing chiefly in water content and percentage of constituents such as magnesia, silica, alumina, and iron.
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Quicklime
Calcium oxide, which is produced by heating (calcining) limestone and gives slaked lime on treatment with water.
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Quicklime
Calcium oxide; unslacked lime; - so called because when wet it develops great heat. See 4th Lime, 2.
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Quicklime
A white crystalline oxide used in the production of calcium hydroxide
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Lime
(chemistry) Any inorganic material containing calcium, usually calcium oxide (quicklime) or calcium hydroxide (slaked lime).
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Lime
(poetic) Any gluey or adhesive substance; something which traps or captures someone; sometimes a synonym for birdlime.
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Lime
A deciduous tree of the genus Tilia, especially Tilia × europaea; the linden tree.
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Lime
Any of several green citrus fruit, somewhat smaller and sharper-tasting than a lemon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Lime
Any of the trees that bear limes, especially Key lime, Citrus aurantiifolia.
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Lime
(uncountable) A brilliant, sometimes yellowish, green colour associated with the fruits of a lime tree.
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Lime
(fandom) A fan fiction story which contains sexual references, but stops short of full, explicit descriptions of sexual activity (coined by analogy with lemon).
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Lime
To hang out/socialize in an informal, relaxed environment, especially with friends, for example at a party or on the beach.
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Lime
The fruit of the Citrus aurantifolia, allied to the lemon, but greener in color; also, the tree which bears it.
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Lime
Oxide of calcium, CaO; the white or gray, caustic substance, usually called quicklime, obtained by calcining limestone or shells, the heat driving off carbon dioxide and leaving lime. It develops great heat when treated with water, forming slaked lime, and is an essential ingredient of cement, plastering, mortar, etc.
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Lime
To smear with a viscous substance, as birdlime.
These twigs, in time, will come to be limed.
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Lime
To entangle; to insnare.
We had limed ourselvesWith open eyes, and we must take the chance.
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Lime
To treat with lime, or oxide or hydrate of calcium; to manure with lime; as, to lime hides for removing the hair; to lime sails in order to whiten them; to lime the lawn to decrease acidity of the soil.
Land may be improved by draining, marling, and liming.
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Lime
A sticky adhesive that is smeared on small branches to capture small birds
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Lime
Any of various deciduous trees of the genus Tilia with heart-shaped leaves and drooping cymose clusters of yellowish often fragrant flowers; several yield valuable timber
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Lime
A white, alkaline substance consisting of calcium carbonate.
Lime is often spread over lawns to improve soil quality.
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Nov 23, 2023
Lime
A fruit of the citrus family, typically green and sour.
She squeezed lime into her drink for extra flavor.
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Lime
A term for birdlime, a sticky substance used in trapping birds.
The old method of using lime to catch birds is now considered inhumane.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are the safety concerns with lime?
Less hazardous, but can cause skin irritation.
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How is quicklime produced?
By heating lime in a kiln to a high temperature.
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How is lime made?
Lime is naturally occurring or made by heating limestone.
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What is the environmental impact of lime?
Lower energy demand, aids in carbon sequestration.
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What are the safety concerns with quicklime?
Highly caustic, requires careful handling.
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Are there different types of lime?
Yes, including hydrated lime and agricultural lime.
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What is the environmental impact of quicklime?
High energy demand for production.
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Nov 23, 2023
How is lime used in construction?
In mortars, plasters, and as a stabilizing agent.
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Nov 23, 2023
How is quicklime used in construction?
In producing hydrated lime for plaster and cement.
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Is quicklime reactive with water?
Highly reactive, produces heat during slaking.
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Are there different forms of quicklime?
Primarily as a powdered or lump form.
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Can quicklime be used in water treatment?
Yes, but mainly in industrial settings.
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Nov 23, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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