How Do You Spell CALCITE?

Pronunciation: [kˈalsa͡ɪt] (IPA)

Calcite is a mineral that is widely found in rocks and soils. Its spelling is derived from its chemical composition; it contains calcium carbonate. The word "calcite" is pronounced as 'kæl.saɪt' in IPA phonetic transcription. The 'c' is pronounced as /k/ because it is followed by the vowel 'a', and the 'i' is pronounced as /aɪ/ to represent the diphthong sound in English. The final 'e' is silent, and the stress is on the first syllable.

CALCITE Meaning and Definition

  1. Calcite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate group, with the chemical formula CaCO3. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth and can be found in various geological settings. Calcite crystals are often transparent or translucent and can exhibit a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, blue, and green.

    This mineral has a vitreous to resinous luster and typically occurs in the trigonal crystal system, forming well-defined rhombohedral or scalenohedral crystals. It also commonly occurs as massive, granular, or fibrous aggregates. Calcite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and susceptible to scratching.

    One remarkable property of calcite is its ability to exhibit double refraction, meaning it can split light into two separate rays. This optical property, known as birefringence, can be observed by looking through a transparent calcite crystal placed over an object. This unique feature has made calcite a valuable material in various scientific instruments, such as polarizing microscopes.

    Calcite is widely used in various industries due to its composition. It is a primary component of limestone, a sedimentary rock that serves as a building material and a raw material for the production of cement. It is also used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, paint, rubber, and plastics. In addition, calcite is sought after by mineral collectors and lapidaries for its aesthetic and ornamental value, as it can be cut and polished into gemstones or used in carvings and decorative objects.

  2. Crystallised varieties of carbonate of lime.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CALCITE

Etymology of CALCITE

The word "calcite" has its origins in the Latin word "calx", meaning "limestone" or "lime". It derives from the Greek word "khalkos", meaning "chalk". The term was first used by the German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner in the late 18th century to classify a specific type of carbonate mineral.

Similar spelling words for CALCITE

Plural form of CALCITE is CALCITES

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