mineral

Yellow Calcite

Calcite (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)

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

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to honey-orange
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes or precipitation from hydrothermal solutions; often found in cave deposits, marine environments, and limestone veins across various geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary work for carvings, decorative 'worry stones', tumbled specimens for collectors, and in the production of lime and cement within industrial sectors.

Geological facts

Yellow Calcite is a common 'cleansing' crystal in metaphysical circles and is famous for its extreme double refraction, where light passing through clear specimens splits into two rays.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its softness (can be scratched by a copper coin) and its effervescence (bubbles) when a drop of cold dilute hydrochloric acid/vinegar is applied; common in regions with limestone karst topography.