Rock Identifier
Coarse-grained marble or calcite-rich metamorphic rock (Calcite (CaCO₃), likely marble with mica and silicate minerals) — metamorphic
metamorphic

Coarse-grained marble or calcite-rich metamorphic rock

Calcite (CaCO₃), likely marble with mica and silicate minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray-white, coarse crystalline texture with a glassy to pearly luster; calcite has Mohs hardness 3, rhombohedral cleavage, and fizzes strongly in dilute hydrochloric acid. The dark grains may be mica, amphibole, or other silicates; crystal form is granular and interlocking.

Identified More metamorphic
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Physical properties

Gray-white, coarse crystalline texture with a glassy to pearly luster; calcite has Mohs hardness 3, rhombohedral cleavage, and fizzes strongly in dilute hydrochloric acid. The dark grains may be mica, amphibole, or other silicates; crystal form is granular and interlocking.

Formation & geological history

Likely recrystallized limestone or dolostone during regional or contact metamorphism, generally formed in the Precambrian to Phanerozoic. Exact age and identity require acid testing, thin-section study, or mineral analysis.

Uses & applications

Used as decorative stone, aggregate, and occasionally in sculpture or classrooms; attractive pieces may be collected but are usually low-value.

Geological facts

Calcite marble can resemble quartz-rich rocks, but calcite is softer and reacts with acid. A steel nail or knife may scratch exposed calcite, while quartz will not.

Field identification & locations

Common in metamorphic belts worldwide, including Italy, Greece, Vermont, Colorado, and India. Test a fresh surface with dilute acid, inspect cleavage, and check whether the pale crystals scratch with steel.