mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange, peach, or honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous to waxy/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Orange, peach, or honey-brown
Luster: Vitreous to waxy/greasy

Identified June 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange, peach, or honey-brown; Luster: Vitreous to waxy/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes, often as a chemical precipitate in marine environments or through volcanic hydrothermal activity where calcium-rich solutions crystallize. It is found in deposits ranging from recent to hundreds of millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a decorative stone, in lapidary work for cabochons and carvings, as a calcium supplement in some industries, and as a popular metaphysical or collector's specimen.

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 hematite or other iron oxides.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 3-way rhombohedral cleavage and its reaction (effervescence) to weak hydrochloric acid. Commonly found in Mexico, Brazil, and the USA (notably Utah). It is much softer than quartz or carnelian, which it can sometimes resemble.