Portland cement is the most common type of
cement in general use around the world, used as a basic ingredient of
concrete,
mortar,
stucco, and most non-speciality
grout. It was developed from other types of
hydraulic lime in England in the mid 19th century and usually originates from
limestone. It is a fine
powder produced by heating materials in a kiln to form what is called
clinker, the clinker, and adding small amounts of other materials. Several types of Portland cement are available with the most common being called ordinary Portland cement (OPC) which is grey in color, but a white Portland cement is also available.