Calcination is a thermal process that involves heating a substance to a high temperature in the presence of air or oxygen. This process is commonly used to remove volatile components, such as water or carbon dioxide, from materials. It is often applied in the production of metals, ceramics, and cement, where the goal is to convert raw materials into a more stable form. During calcination, chemical reactions occur that can change the composition of the material. For example, when heating limestone (calcium carbonate), it decomposes into calcium oxide (quicklime) and carbon dioxide gas. This transformation is essential in various industrial applications, including the manufacture of lime for construction and environmental purposes.