mineral
Calcite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, typically white or colorless, vitreous to pearly luster, and exhibits rhombohedral cleavage.
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 of 3 on the Mohs scale, typically white or colorless, vitreous to pearly luster, and exhibits rhombohedral cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous environments through precipitation from aqueous solutions or organic accumulation.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction materials, cement manufacturing, agriculture, and optical devices.
Geological facts
Calcite is the primary constituent of limestone and marble, and it exhibits strong double refraction in transparent varieties like Iceland spar.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic rhombohedral cleavage and strong effervescence when exposed to dilute hydrochloric acid.
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
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous