mineral
Calcite crystal specimen
Calcite (CaCO₃)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale cream to honey-colored, translucent, with vitreous to pearly luster and prominent rhombohedral cleavage; Mohs hardness 3. The photo’s shape and color suggest calcite, though identification from an image alone is uncertain.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Calcite crystal specimen in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Pale cream to honey-colored, translucent, with vitreous to pearly luster and prominent rhombohedral cleavage; Mohs hardness 3. The photo’s shape and color suggest calcite, though identification from an image alone is uncertain.
Formation & geological history
Typically forms in limestone and marble, hydrothermal veins, and caves as calcium-carbonate-bearing water precipitates; specimens may range from geologically recent to hundreds of millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used in cement and lime production, soil treatment, and as a collector specimen; clear calcite is sometimes cut for decorative pieces.
Geological facts
Calcite strongly effervesces in dilute acid and displays double refraction in clear crystals.
Field identification & locations
Look for soft, easily scratched surfaces and cleavage planes that meet at non-right angles; common worldwide, especially in limestone regions. A dilute-acid test on a tiny inconspicuous spot can help confirm it.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary