calcitic

Calcitic is an adjective used to describe something composed of, or predominantly containing, calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3). The term derives from calcis, the Latin word for lime. In geology and mineralogy, calcitic materials are those in which calcite is the primary carbonate mineral.

In geological contexts, calcitic describes rocks and sediments rich in calcite as opposed to other carbonate minerals such as dolomite or aragonite. Calcitic limestones, for example, are carbonate rocks in which calcite is the dominant mineral, while dolostones contain significant dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate). The exact composition can influence properties like porosity, strength, and diagenetic behavior.

In biology and paleontology, calcitic refers to structures or fossils built from calcite. Many shells and skeletons produced by marine organisms are calcitic, though others may be aragonitic or mixed. The stability of calcitic materials under environmental conditions, including acid exposure and burial diagenesis, affects fossil preservation and carbonate rock evolution.

In practical use, the term appears in agronomy and construction. Calcitic lime, a common soil amendment, is calcium carbonate used to neutralize soil acidity. In construction, calcitic binders and concretes rely on calcite-containing materials. Overall, calcitic denotes calcite-rich or calcium carbonate–based composition across geological, biological, and industrial contexts.