mineral

Orange Calcite (Carved as a Horned Skull)

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to honey-colored with gray banding; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Orange to honey-colored with gray banding
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified April 29, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to honey-colored with gray banding; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary precipitation in hydrothermal environments, cave deposits, or marine settings. It can occur in massive forms which are then carved. Common in various geological ages ranging from Paleozoic to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative lapidary material, ornamental carvings, and metaphysical/collectible items. Also used industrially in cement and as a soil conditioner in its raw state.

Geological facts

Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth and is the primary constituent of limestone and marble. Orange calcite specifically contains microscopic inclusions of hematite or other iron oxides that give it its vibrant color.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its softness (can be scratched by a copper coin) and its vigorous effervescence (bubbling) when in contact with cold dilute hydrochloric acid. It is commonly found in Mexico, Brazil, and the USA.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral