mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale orange to deep honey orange; Luster: Vitreous to waxy/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale orange to deep honey orange
Luster: Vitreous to waxy/greasy

Identified March 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes, often precipitated from marine organism shells or in hydrothermal veins and hot springs. Can occur in any geological age; widely found in limestone and marble formations.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative stones, in metaphysical/spiritual practices, as a source of lime in cement (in bulk form), and occasionally carved into cabochons or small figurines. Too soft for most mainstream jewelry.

Geological facts

Calcite is unique for its property of double refraction (birefringence), where light passing through a clear crystal splits into two rays. It is also highly reactive to cold dilute hydrochloric acid, which causes it to effervesce (fizz).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage (breaking into slanted cubes), its softness (can be scratched by a copper coin), and its 'waxy' texture when orange. Found globally, with high-quality orange specimens often coming from Mexico or Brazil.