Calcium creates objects that are strong and beautiful, from caves, to teeth and bones, and coral reefs. Find out more in ep 17 of Elemental, with Allan Blackman from AUT.

Calcium is the most abundant metal in the human body. It is important for teeth and bones as well as the way cells and nerves work, muscles contract and blood clots.

Calcium is also responsible for some of the greatest structures on earth. In Nature, it is the building block for coral reefs, and it is the main ingredient in concrete.

Professor Allan Blackman from AUT presents this episode with his mouth full ... of calcium-rich teeth, that is.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details