mineral
Calcite on Matrix
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: White to pale tan/translucent. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions.
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to pale tan/translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Calcite on Matrix in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: White to pale tan/translucent. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions.
Formation & geological history
Formed through chemical precipitation in sedimentary environments or as secondary minerals in igneous rock cavities. Common in limestone and marble formations.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as an ornamental specimen for collectors and in the production of cement and lime for the construction industry.
Geological facts
Calcite is famous for its double refraction property and its rapid effervescence (fizzing) when in contact with dilute hydrochloric acid.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its characteristic rhombohedral cleavage and softness (can be scratched by a copper penny). It is one of the most common minerals on Earth.
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
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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