mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to honey-yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (often found in massive rhombohedral forms); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions.

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Orange to honey-yellow
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily through sedimentary processes in marine environments or as precipitates from calcium-rich hot springs (travertine) and in hydrothermal veins.

Uses & applications

Used as a source of calcium in industry, as an ornamental stone for carvings and decorative items, and popular in metaphysical and crystal collecting circles.

Geological facts

Calcite is unique for its double refraction (birefringence), where light splitting creates two images. Orange calcite specifically gets its color from tiny inclusions of iron oxide (hematite) or organic compounds.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its 3-way rhombohedral cleavage and its vigorous reaction to weak hydrochloric acid (effervescence). It is much softer than quartz or carnelian, which it can sometimes resemble.