mineral

Banded Calcite

Calcite (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: White, cream, and tan banding. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral.

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: White, cream, and tan banding
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: White, cream, and tan banding. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the precipitation of calcium carbonate from solution, often in hydrothermal veins or sedimentary environments such as hot springs and caves. Banding represents different stages of mineral growth.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a decorative material, in lapidary work for carvings, and as a collector's specimen. Industrial uses of calcite include cement manufacturing and as an agricultural soil treatment.

Geological facts

Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth. Banded varieties are often mislabeled as 'Onyx' in the market, though true onyx is a variety of chalcedony quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage and its vigorous reaction (effervescence) when exposed to a drop of cold dilute hydrochloric acid. It is found globally in limestone and marble deposits.