mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: honey-orange to light amber; Luster: vitreous to waxy/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions.

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: honey-orange to light amber
Luster: vitreous to waxy/greasy

Identified July 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: honey-orange to light amber; Luster: vitreous to waxy/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions.

Formation & geological history

Formed in sedimentary environments through chemical precipitation in hot springs, caves, or marine settings. It can also be found in metamorphic marble or igneous vein deposits.

Uses & applications

Used as a source of calcium in industry, as an abrasive, for acid neutralization, and widely in the metaphysical/gemstone market for carvings and tumbled stones.

Geological facts

Calcite is known for its ability to produce double refraction. Orange calcite specifically gets its color from tiny inclusions of hematite or other iron oxides during formation.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its softness (it can be scratched with a copper penny) and its vigorous effervescence (bubbling) when exposed to dilute hydrochloric acid or strong vinegar.