mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

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

Identified June 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes, often precipitated from marine environments or hydrothermal veins. It occurs in a wide range of geological ages from Precambrian to recent deposits.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative carvings, ornamental stones, and in crystal healing collections. Industrially, calcite is used in the manufacture of cement and lime.

Geological facts

Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth and is the primary constituent of limestone and marble. Orange calcite specifically gets its color from tiny inclusions of iron oxides or hematite during formation.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage and its reaction (effervescence) when a small drop of dilute hydrochloric acid is applied. It is much softer than quartz and can be scratched by a copper penny or a knife blade.