mineral

Banded Calcite (often sold as "Peaches and Cream" or "Orange Calcite")

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: Peach, salmon-pink, and white. Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished). Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral. Specific gravity: 2.71.

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Peach, salmon-pink, and white
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished)

Identified July 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: Peach, salmon-pink, and white. Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished). Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral. Specific gravity: 2.71.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the accumulation of calcium carbonate in sedimentary environments, often precipitated from groundwater in caves (forming flowstone) or in hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative carvings, tumbled stones for collectors, metaphysical healing uses, and occasionally as a soft ornamental stone in jewelry (pendants).

Geological facts

Banded calcite is often mistaken for agate, but it is much softer; while agate is a 7 on the Mohs scale, calcite is only a 3 and can be scratched by a copper penny or a steel knife.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its softness and its vigorous reaction (effervescence) when touched with room-temperature diluted hydrochloric acid. It is commonly found in Mexico, Peru, and the USA.