Calmagite is a complexometric indicator

Complexometric indicator

A complexometric indicator is an ionochromic dye that undergoes a definite color change in presence of specific metal ions. It forms a weak complex with the ions present in the solution, which has a significantly different color from the form existing outside the complex.Complexometric indicators...

 used in analytical chemistry to identify the presence of metal ions in solution. As with other metal ion indicators calmagite will change color when it is bound to an ion. Calmagite will be wine red when it is bound to a metal ion and may be blue, red, or orange when it is not bound to a metal ion. Calmagite is often used in conjunction with EDTA

EDTA

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, widely abbreviated as EDTA , is a polyamino carboxylic acid and a colourless, water-soluble solid. Its conjugate base is named ethylenediaminetetraacetate. It is widely used to dissolve limescale. Its usefulness arises because of its role as a hexadentate ligand...

, a stronger metal binding agent.