chalky

Chalky is an adjective derived from chalk, the soft, white, porous limestone largely composed of calcite. It describes surfaces or substances that are powdery, pale, or white like chalk, or that contain calcium carbonate. The term is used across disciplines to note texture, appearance, or composition rather than a single material.

In geology and soils, chalky describes rocks or soils rich in calcium carbonate with a fine, powdery feel. Chalky soils are often calcareous and alkaline; they often effervesce with dilute acid and can influence drainage, nutrient availability, and plant growth.

In materials science and art, chalky textures appear in minerals such as soft limestones and in pigments and paints that leave a matte, powdery residue when dry. Chalk is also used as a pigment and as a drawing medium in pastel techniques, where a chalky texture is advantageous.

In agriculture and food science, chalkiness is a quality defect in rice and maize where opaque, whitish areas appear in the grain or kernels. This effect is associated with air spaces in the starchy endosperm, often linked to heat stress during development, and is generally considered undesirable for eating quality.

In dentistry and medicine, chalky can describe spots or lesions with a whitish, chalk-like appearance, such as chalky enamel or chalky calcifications. These usages convey a pale, powdery look rather than a specific substance.

Overall, chalky conveys a sense of softness, powder, or pale white color reminiscent of chalk, used to describe natural materials, finishes, and certain biological or food-related textures.