mineral

Blue-green calcite (likely aragonite or apatite alternative)

Calcite, CaCO₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale aqua-green, translucent, glassy to pearly luster with prominent cleavage and a blocky, irregular crystal form; Mohs hardness 3, rhombohedral cleavage, specific gravity about 2.71. The image alone cannot distinguish calcite confidently from similar soft blue-green minerals.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

Explore Blue-green calcite (likely aragonite or apatite alternative) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Typically forms in hydrothermal veins, cavities, and sedimentary carbonate environments through precipitation from mineral-rich fluids; specimens may range from recent to Paleozoic or younger depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Collected as a decorative mineral and occasionally used for ornamental stone; calcite is also important industrially in cement, lime, aggregate, and chemical production.

Geological facts

Calcite effervesces strongly with dilute hydrochloric acid and shows birefringence (“double refraction”); blue-green color commonly results from trace copper or other impurities.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in Mexico, Brazil, Peru, the United States, and China. Check for acid fizz, very low hardness, and cleavage; a streak, hardness, and refractive-index test would improve identification.