Calcite

Calcite is a type of rock that is made up of tiny mineral crystals. It's kind of like a big pile of sparkly sugar cubes! One of the cool things about calcite is that it can glow under UV light, just like a secret superhero power.

Calcite is really important to lots of different animals because it helps them make their hard parts, like shells and bones. Even our own bodies use calcite to make up some of our bones and teeth!

But calcite isn't just helpful to animals, it's also really important to the Earth. When rain water passes through soil and rocks, it can dissolve the calcite and carry it away. This creates underground rivers and caves where stalactites and stalagmites grow, kind of like icicles made of rock.

Overall, calcite is a pretty cool rock that helps both animals and the Earth. Plus, it's super sparkly!