Call Us: +27 63 169 8798
What Is White Lime?
Introduction
Many industries rely on lime for construction, water treatment, and agriculture. A common question asked by buyers and contractors is what is white lime.
White lime usually refers to hydrated lime, a fine white powder made from calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). It is produced when quicklime reacts with water in a controlled hydration process.
Because of its alkaline properties, white lime is widely used in industrial processes, environmental treatment systems, and building materials.

What Is White Lime Made Of?
White lime is primarily composed of calcium hydroxide, a chemical compound formed when quicklime (calcium oxide) reacts with water.
Chemical Information
- Chemical name: Calcium Hydroxide
- Chemical formula: Ca(OH)₂
- Appearance: Fine white powder
- pH: Highly alkaline
These properties make hydrated lime effective in neutralizing acidity and controlling chemical reactions.
.
How White Lime Is Produced
White lime is produced through a simple chemical process.
Step 1 – Limestone Heating
Limestone (calcium carbonate) is heated in a kiln to produce quicklime (calcium oxide).
Step 2 – Hydration Process
Quicklime is then mixed with water. This reaction produces hydrated lime, also known as white lime.
The final product is a fine white powder used in multiple industries.
.
What Is White Lime Used For?
White lime has many industrial and commercial uses.
Water Treatment
White lime is widely used in water purification and wastewater treatment. It helps adjust pH levels and remove impurities from water.
Water treatment plants use hydrated lime to:
- Neutralize acidic water
- Remove heavy metals
- Improve water clarity
.
Construction Applications
In construction, white lime improves the strength and durability of building materials.
It is commonly used in:
- Mortar and plaster
- Soil stabilization
- Cement production
These applications improve the performance of construction materials.
.
Agriculture
White lime is also used in agriculture to improve soil quality.
Adding lime to soil helps:
- Reduce soil acidity
- Improve nutrient availability
- Support healthy crop growth.
Farmers often use lime to maintain balanced soil conditions.
.

Benefits of White Lime
White lime offers several advantages in industrial and agricultural applications.
Key benefits include:
- Effective pH control
- Improved soil conditions
- Better water purification
- Enhanced construction material performance
Because of these benefits, hydrated lime remains an essential industrial chemical.
Where to Buy White Lime
If you need high-quality hydrated lime, you can source it from BRF SA Chem.
👉 See our product page:
🔗 https://brfsachem.com/product/lime-hydrated-white/
🔗 https://brfsachem.com/product/lime-hydrated-white/
BRF SA Chem supplies hydrated white lime powder for industrial, agricultural, and water treatment applications across Southern Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is white lime the same as hydrated lime?
Yes. In most industrial applications, white lime refers to hydrated lime, which is calcium hydroxide.
What is the chemical formula of white lime?
The chemical formula of white lime is Ca(OH)₂, also known as calcium hydroxide.
What industries use white lime?
White lime is used in construction, agriculture, water treatment, and industrial chemical processing.
Conclusion
White lime is an important industrial chemical used in water treatment, construction, and agriculture. Known chemically as calcium hydroxide, it provides strong alkaline properties that help control pH levels and improve environmental and industrial processes.
Because of its versatility and effectiveness, white lime continues to play a key role across many industries worldwide.

