mineral

Yellow Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to lemon yellow; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to lemon yellow
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified May 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Found primarily in sedimentary environments through chemical precipitation or as a primary mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks like carbonatites and marble.

Uses & applications

Used widely in the manufacturing of cement and lime, as a decorative stone in carvings, and highly valued in the 'metaphysical' community for meditation and collection.

Geological facts

Calcite manifests more crystal shapes than any other mineral. Yellow varieties gain their color from iron impurities or sulfur inclusions. It exhibits strong double refraction (birefringence).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage and its vigorous reaction (fizzing) when exposed to dilute hydrochloric acid. It is much softer than quartz and can be scratched by a copper coin.