A Dinosaur: I don't mean to be a pain, but I am not sure where your information is coming from? Calcium is very much a catalyst - probably in this and of course in many reactions in nature - and indeed, as is part of the definition of a catalyst, it is not "used up" in the reaction. It may be precipitated out as in this case, but not changed in character.
For example, the literature speaks very clearly of Nickel-Aluminium-Calcium-Magnesium CATALYSTS - used individually or in combination - in the processing of hydrocarbons specifically.
If I am correct on this, please feel free to set me straight? Knowledge, and the truth it brings, is what we seek after all.
Welcome to the board by the way.
JL
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