mineral
Orange Calcite (or Yellow Calcite)
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Mohs hardness 3, soft enough to be scratched by a copper coin. Features vitreous to resinous/waxy luster, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and a translucent yellow-orange to amber body color.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 3, soft enough to be scratched by a copper coin. Features vitreous to resinous/waxy luster, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and a translucent yellow-orange to amber body color.
Formation & geological history
Formed primarily through chemical precipitation in hydrothermal veins, hot springs, or sedimentary marine environments where calcium and carbonate ions concentrate.
Uses & applications
Widely used as an ornamental stone, lapidary carving material, specimen for rock collections, and in metaphysical/healing gemstone markets.
Geological facts
Calcite exhibits strong double refraction (birefringence) and vigorously effervesces (fizzes) when exposed to dilute hydrochloric acid.
Field identification & locations
Identifiable by its low hardness (easily scratched by steel), rhombohedral cleavage planes, waxy touch, and immediate reaction to dilute acid. Commonly sourced from Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and the USA.
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