mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

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

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Orange, yellow-orange, honey-colored
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified April 11, 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, yellow-orange, honey-colored; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes, typically in marine environments as chemical precipitates or from the remains of marine organisms. It can also form in hydrothermal veins or as a secondary mineral in caves.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative stones, gemstones for jewelry (though soft), and in the manufacture of cement, lime, and neutralized acids in industry.

Geological facts

Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth. Orange calcite specifically gets its color from iron oxide inclusions. It exhibits the property of double refraction (birefringence), where light passing through it splits into two rays.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage (blocks look like tilted cubes) and its reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid (it will fizz). It can be easily scratched with a copper penny or steel knife.