mineral
Honey Calcite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow to honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific Gravity: 2.71
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Golden-yellow to honey-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Honey Calcite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Golden-yellow to honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/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. Can also be found in metamorphic marble or igneous carbonatites. Common across various geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a decorative collector's specimen, in metaphysical practices, and occasionally as a source of lime in industrial chemical processes or as a building material ingredient.
Geological facts
Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth, but the honey-colored variety gets its distinct hue from trace amounts of iron or organic impurities during crystallization.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage (tilting cubes) and its rapid effervescence when exposed to cold dilute hydrochloric acid. Commonly found in Mexico, Brazil, and the USA.
