calcite
/ˈkalsʌɪt
/noun [mass noun]
A white or colourless mineral consisting of calcium carbonate. It is a major constituent of sedimentary rocks such as limestone and is deposited in caves to form stalactites and stalagmites.Quartz is the dominant mineral in veins in siliceous rocks, calcite in limestones, and gypsum in gypsiferous sediments....
- Other than clay minerals, calcite and pyrite are the most common secondary minerals present.
- Matrix minerals of the septaria are ferroan dolomite, quartz, calcite, and pyrite.
Derivatives
calcitic
- Concretions, which were originally calcitic, are either weathered out or now contain epidote as a cement.
- Some of the most attractively preserved fossils are the yellow and brown calcitic moulds of ammonites that are characteristic of calcareous concretions.
- The remaining carbonate bioclasts are exclusively calcitic echinoid spines, rare foraminifera, molluscs and bryozoan fragments.
Origin
Mid 19th century: coined in German from Latin calx, calc- 'lime' (see calx).