calcite Min.
(ˈkælsaɪt)
[mod. (Haidinger 1845 calcit) f. L. calc-em lime + -ite, q.v.]
The native crystallized rhombohedral anhydrous carbonate of lime (calcium carbonate), which exists in an immense variety of forms: calc-spar, calcareous spar. Taken by Dana as the type of the Calcite Group of anhydrous carbonates. Also attrib.
| 1849 Murchison Siluria App. 547 A change into crystalline calcite. 1874 Dawkins Cave Hunt. ii. 64 Lined with glittering crystals of calcite. 1878 Bates Centr. Amer. vi. 81 Brown and black blende in quartz and calcite seams. |