
mineral
Orange Calcite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale orange to deep honey-orange. 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 orange to deep honey-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale orange to deep honey-orange. 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. It occurs in a wide range of geological ages from Precambrian to recent deposits.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as decorative carvings, ornamental stones, and in crystal healing collections. Industrially, calcite is used in the manufacture of cement and lime.
Geological facts
Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth and is the primary constituent of limestone and marble. Orange calcite specifically gets its color from tiny inclusions of iron oxides or hematite during formation.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage and its reaction (effervescence) when a small drop of dilute hydrochloric acid is applied. It is much softer than quartz and can be scratched by a copper penny or a knife blade.
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