mineral

Green Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale to sea-foam green; 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 to sea-foam green
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes or as a secondary mineral in igneous / metamorphic environments. It typically crystallizes from calcium-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a chemical precipitate in marine environments.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a decorative stone, in lapidary work for carvings and cabochons, and widely used in the metaphysical and gemstone collecting communities.

Geological facts

Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth and is the primary component of limestone and marble. Green calcite specifically gets its color from chlorite trapped during crystallization or occasionally from light-scattering inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its softness (can be scratched by a copper penny) and its effervescence (bubbling) when in contact with weak acids like vinegar. Common locations include Mexico, Brazil, and the USA.