What is the purpose of calcination?

Calcination is a thermal treatment process used to convert a material, typically an ore or mineral, into a more useful form by driving off volatile substances, such as water or carbon dioxide. This process often results in the formation of oxides, which can enhance the material's reactivity and stability for subsequent chemical processes. It is commonly employed in the production of metals, ceramics, and various chemical compounds. Overall, calcination helps improve the efficiency of extraction and processing in various industries.