calcite Definition
a mineral consisting of calcium carbonate, typically occurring as colorless or white rhombohedral crystals or as fibrous masses.
Using calcite: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "calcite" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Calcite is a common constituent of sedimentary rocks.
Example
The optical properties of calcite make it useful in polarizing microscopes.
Phrases with calcite
double refraction of calcite
the property of calcite to split a beam of light into two beams, each of which is bent at a different angle
Example
The double refraction of calcite can be observed under a polarizing microscope.
calcite that has precipitated from groundwater and fills the spaces between individual grains of sediment
Example
The sandstone was cemented by calcite.
Example
Calcite twins are often found in sedimentary rocks.
Summary: calcite in Brief
Calcite [ˈkæl.saɪt] is a mineral composed of calcium carbonate, commonly found in colorless or white rhombohedral crystals or fibrous masses. It is a frequent component of sedimentary rocks and has optical properties that make it useful in polarizing microscopes. Calcite also exhibits double refraction, where a beam of light is split into two beams that are bent at different angles.
