mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

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

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

Identified March 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes, primarily from the shells of marine organisms or precipitation from calcium-rich groundwater. It can also occur in metamorphic environments like marble or hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a decorative stone, in lapidary work for carvings and tumbles, and as a source of calcium for industrial cement and soil treatments. It is popular in the metaphysical community and for rock collecting.

Geological facts

Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth. Its name comes from the Greek word 'chalix', meaning lime. Orange calcite specifically gets its color from tiny inclusions of hematite or other iron oxides during formation.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its softness (can be scratched by a copper penny or knife) and its strong effervescence when exposed to a drop of weak acid (vinegar or HCl). High-quality orange specimens are frequently sourced from Mexico and Brazil.