bitter spar n 1: a light colored mineral consisting of calcium magnesium carbonate; a source of magnesium; used as a ceramic and as fertilizer [syn: {dolomite}, {bitter spar}]
Bitter spar \Bit"ter spar"\ A common name of dolomite; -- so called because it contains magnesia, the soluble salts of which are bitter. See {Dolomite}. [1913 Webster]
dolomite \dol"o*mite\ (d[o^]l"[-o]*m[imac]t), n. [After the French geologist Dolomieu.] (Geol. & Min.) A mineral consisting of the carbonate of lime and magnesia in varying proportions. It occurs in distinct crystals, and in extensive beds as a compact limestone, often crystalline granular, either white or clouded. It includes much of the common white marble. Also called {bitter spar}. [1913 Webster]