calcite

noun

cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt 

: a mineral CaCO₃ consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble compare aragonite

calcitic

kal-ˈsi-tik 

adjective

Examples of calcite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bedrock of New York elements for the Pace show is quartz, tourmaline and calcite, which have been ground into the pigment. —Kristen Tauer, WWD, 19 Mar. 2025

Named from the Latin word meaning lime, calcium is very common in limestone rocks composed of calcite and dolomite. —David Bressan, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Found in shallow pools of water saturated with the mineral calcite, they are usually detached from the floor, walls or ceiling of the cave, unlike most speleothems. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024

Longhorn Cavern State Park, Burnet Longhorn Cavern is an ancient underground riverbed, covered in calcite crystals and home to millions of bats. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for calcite

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight

Kids Definition

calcite

noun

cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt 

: a mineral substance made up of calcium carbonate and found in numerous forms including limestone, chalk, and marble

calcitic

kal-ˈsit-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

calcite

noun

cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt 

: a mineral CaCO₃ consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble

calcitic

kal-ˈsit-ik 

adjective