mineral

Orange Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to honey-gold; Luster: Vitreous to waxy/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71.

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Orange to honey-gold
Luster: Vitreous to waxy/greasy

Identified July 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to honey-gold; Luster: Vitreous to waxy/greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71.

Formation & geological history

Formed in sedimentary environments through chemical precipitation from calcium-rich waters, or in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic marbles. Generally abundant throughout various geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used as a source of lime, in acid neutralization, as an ornamental stone for carvings, in metaphysical practices, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.

Geological facts

Calcite exhibits double refraction (birefringence), where light passing through it splits into two rays. Orange calcite specifically gets its color from tiny iron oxide inclusions trapped during formation.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 3-way rhombohedral cleavage and its strong effervescent reaction to cold dilute hydrochloric acid. It is very soft and can easily be scratched by a copper penny or a knife.