mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to pale honey; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Orange to pale honey
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to pale honey; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed in sedimentary environments through chemical precipitation from calcium-rich solutions, or in metamorphic marble. It is found in massive form and in hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative stone, in jewelry (though soft), as an acid neutralizer in the chemical industry, and as a popular specimen for crystal healing collectors.

Geological facts

Orange calcite is often called the 'stone of creativity.' It reacts violently with even weak acids like vinegar, producing carbon dioxide bubbles.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its softness (can be scratched by a copper coin) and its rhombohedral cleavage. It is commonly found in Mexico, Brazil, and the USA.