Calcination is the process of heating a substance, but below melting point, causing a loss of moisture. The reaction also causes the decomposition of carbonates. An example of this is the calcination of limestone into quicklime using a limekiln.
Calcination is to heat (as inorganic materials) to a high temperature but without fusing in order to drive off volatile matter or to effect changes (as oxidation or pulverization) – from Websters