Lime is one of the earliest cementing materials used by humankind. The ancient Greeks used it in construction as early as the 8th century BC, and China began using it in the 7th century BC. Many well-preserved ancient murals and rammed-earth foundations show the use of lime. The construction of the Great Wall of Qin is another example.
China is one of the earliest countries to produce and utilize lime. Archaeological evidence shows that in many Longshan period cultural sites in the Yellow River basin (approximately 2800-2300 BC), smooth and solid walls and floors plastered with lime have been found. C-14 dating indicates that the lime used in the Longshan period sites was artificially calcined.
With the development of modern industry, in addition to being a primary material for civil engineering, lime has found various uses in many emerging industrial sectors. Large quantities of lime are used in metallurgy, glassmaking, alkali and sugar production, papermaking, leather tanning, calcium carbide and organic chemicals, carbonized bricks, carbonized boards, as well as soil improvement, water treatment, and gas purification.
