mineral

Orange calcite (likely polished or naturally rounded fragments)

Calcite, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically orange to honey-colored, translucent to opaque, with a vitreous to pearly luster; Mohs hardness 3, rhombohedral cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.71. The granular, warm orange appearance is consistent with calcite, though image-only identification is tentative.

Identified August 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in limestone, hydrothermal veins, caves, and evaporite environments, commonly through precipitation from carbonate-rich fluids; specimens may range from ancient sedimentary settings to modern cave deposits.

Uses & applications

Used in cement, lime, aggregate, and neutralizing acidic materials; attractive orange specimens are collected and sometimes used as decorative stone, but they are generally too soft for durable jewelry.

Geological facts

Calcite effervesces vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid and can show double refraction through clear pieces. Orange coloration commonly comes from iron or other trace impurities.

Field identification & locations

Test gently with vinegar or dilute acid for bubbling, and check for rhombohedral cleavage and softness relative to a steel blade. Common sources include Mexico, the United States, Peru, and China.