
mineral
Orange Calcite
Calcite (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-orange to bright orange; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Honey-orange to bright orange
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Orange Calcite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Honey-orange to bright orange; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71
Formation & geological history
Formed through sedimentary processes, often as a precipitate in marine environments or groundwater. It is commonly found in sedimentary limestone or as a secondary mineral in veins or hydrothermal settings.
Uses & applications
Predominantly used as a decorative stone, in lapidary work for carvings and tumbled stones, and highly valued in the metaphysical community for collecting.
Geological facts
Orange calcite is known for its 'soapy' or waxy feel compared to quartz. When exposed to an acid like vinegar, it will effervesce (fizz) due to its carbonate composition.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its softness (it can be scratched by a copper penny) and its characteristic rhombohedral cleavage. Commonly found in Mexico and Brazil.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous