mineral
Golden Calcite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to golden honey. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Hexagonal-rhombohedral. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions. Specific Gravity: 2.71.
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to golden honey
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale yellow to golden honey. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Hexagonal-rhombohedral. Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions. Specific Gravity: 2.71.
Formation & geological history
Formed through sedimentary processes, often precipitated from marine environments or hydrothermal veins. It can be found in cave formations, limestone, and marble deposits spanning many geological periods.
Uses & applications
Used primarily by collectors and in metaphysical practices. Industrial calcite is used in construction, agriculture, and as a flux in glass manufacturing. Higher quality specimens are sometimes used for carvings.
Geological facts
Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth and is the primary constituent of limestone and marble. Honey or golden calcite is often noted for its rhombohedral cleavage, which allows it to break into perfect diamond-like shapes.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 3-way rhombohedral cleavage and its reaction (effervescence) to dilute hydrochloric acid. It is much softer than quartz and can be easily scratched with a copper coin.
