mineral
Banded Calcite (often sold as "Peaches and Cream" or "Orange Calcite")
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
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)
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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.
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