rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycalciteCalcium carbonate mineral
noun

calcite

KAL-site/ˈkælsaɪt/

A common calcium carbonate mineral found in limestone and marble.

This honey-colored calcite specimen has distinctive slanted crystal faces.

Honey calcite specimen with slanted crystal faces.
Etymology
calcLatinlime, limestone
+iteEnglishmineral-name ending

Calx meant lime or limestone, so the name connects this crystalline calcium carbonate with the familiar material family of chalk and limestone. The ending marks it as a mineral.

In context

Science Facts1:03
… They combine to form calcium carbonate, the rock-solid stuff of shells. Calcium carbonate comes in two main forms, calcite and aragonite.
How Do Marine Animals Make Their Shells #seashell

More examples

  • Calcite is the main mineral in most limestone.
  • The marble contains tightly packed crystals of calcite.
  • A drop of vinegar makes calcite fizz.

Forms

calcite

calcitic adjective — Containing or consisting mainly of calcite.