Cemento is a fine powder made from a mixture of minerals, primarily limestone and clay, which, when mixed with water, forms a paste that hardens over time. It is a key ingredient in concrete and mortar, widely used in construction for building structures, roads, and bridges due to its strength and durability. The production of cemento involves heating the raw materials in a kiln at high temperatures, a process known as calcination. This results in the formation of clinker, which is then ground into the fine powder we recognize as cemento. Its versatility makes it essential in modern construction practices.