mineral

Green Calcite

Calcite (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale green to seafoam green; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale green to seafoam green
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes, typically in marine environments as biological or chemical precipitates, or through hydrothermal activity. It can form in various geological ages from the Precambrian to modern times.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a decorative stone, in lapidary arts for cabochons or carvings, and as a popular specimen for metaphysical and mineral collectors. Industrial calcite is used in cement, agriculture, and glass making.

Geological facts

Green calcite specifically belongs to the most common group of minerals on Earth, but its distinctive green hue is often caused by chlorite or other mineral inclusions trapped during crystallization. It is famously soft and will dissolve/effervesce in weak acids.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage (breaks into slanted cubes), its relative softness (can be scratched by a copper penny but not a fingernail), and the acid test (fizzes with cold dilute HCl). Common locations include Mexico, Brazil, and the USA.