calcite

noun

cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral CaCO3 consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble compare aragonite
calcitic
kal-ˈsi-tik How to pronounce calcite (audio)
adjective

Examples of calcite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers placed pebble piles containing a few small quartz and calcite crystals in the yard. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2026 Scientists can then tell the age of the crystal by measuring the ratio of uranium to thorium present inside of a calcite crystal. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 May 2026 Since quartz, calcite and pyrite differ in transparency, symmetry and surface sheen, this sorting ability surprised the researchers. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 Rock formations with evocative names—boxwork, calcite rafts, dogtooth spar, frostwork—add glorious texture to the underground maze. — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for calcite

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calcite was in 1840

Rhymes for calcite

See All Rhymes for calcite

Browse Nearby Words

Calcispongiae
calcite
calcitonin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Calcite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcite. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

calcite

noun
cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral substance made up of calcium carbonate and found in numerous forms including limestone, chalk, and marble
calcitic
kal-ˈsit-ik How to pronounce calcite (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

calcite

noun
cal·​cite ˈkal-ˌsīt How to pronounce calcite (audio)
: a mineral CaCO3 consisting of calcium carbonate crystallized in hexagonal form and including common limestone, chalk, and marble
calcitic
kal-ˈsit-ik How to pronounce calcite (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on calcite

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about calcite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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