mineral
Calcite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: White to colorless (transparent/translucent); Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific gravity: 2.71
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to colorless (transparent/translucent)
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Calcite 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 colorless (transparent/translucent); Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific gravity: 2.71
Formation & geological history
Primarily forms through chemical precipitation in marine environments or as a secondary mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is basic to the formation of limestone and marble.
Uses & applications
Used widely in the construction industry as an ingredient in cement and mortar, in agriculture for soil treatment, as a pigment, and occasionally as a gemstone or ornamental stone.
Geological facts
Calcite exhibits double refraction; if you look through a transparent crystal, objects behind it appear doubled. It is also the primary component of stalactites and stalagmites in caves.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage and its strong reaction (effervescence) to dilute hydrochloric acid. It is found globally in sedimentary basins and limestone quarries.
