mineral

Cleavable Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale); Color: White to tan/cream; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal (rhombohedral cleavage); Specific Gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale)
Color: White to tan/cream
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 (Mohs scale); Color: White to tan/cream; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal (rhombohedral cleavage); Specific Gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Generally formed through precipitation in sedimentary environments or hydrothermal veins. It can also form as a biogenic mineral in marine organisms.

Uses & applications

Major constituent of limestone and marble; used in the manufacture of cement, as a flux in metallurgy, in agriculture for soil treatment, and occasionally as decorative specimens.

Geological facts

Calcite is famous for its 'double refraction' property where a ray of light is split into two. It is also the primary component of stalactites and stalagmites in caves.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage (slanted cube shapes) and its strong effervescence when exposed to a weak acid like vinegar. It is soft enough to be scratched by a copper coin.