mineral
Calcite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, typically white, yellow, pink, or colorless, vitreous to earthy luster, rhombohedral crystal system, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, specific gravity of 2.71
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Physical properties
Hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, typically white, yellow, pink, or colorless, vitreous to earthy luster, rhombohedral crystal system, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, specific gravity of 2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed in sedimentary environments through precipitation of calcium carbonate from marine waters, as well as in hydrothermal veins and caves as stalactites and stalagmites.
Uses & applications
Used widely in construction as limestone and marble, in the manufacture of cement, neutralizing soil acidity, and as optical material.
Geological facts
Calcite exhibits strong double refraction (birefringence), meaning light passing through it splits into two separate rays.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic rhombohedral cleavage and strong effervescence (fizzing) when exposed to weak hydrochloric acid.
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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