mineral

Raw Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to peach; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect in three directions forming rhombohedrons; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: Orange to peach
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified July 29, 2026More mineral →

Explore Raw Calcite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to peach; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect in three directions forming rhombohedrons; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Forms in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock environments, predominantly through the precipitation of calcium carbonate from marine waters or hydrothermal solutions.

Uses & applications

Used in construction materials (cement and lime), agriculture, chemical industry, and as mineral specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

Calcite exhibits strong double refraction (birefringence), meaning light passing through it is split into two rays, creating a double-image effect.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its soft nature (can be scratched easily with a penny or knife) and its strong fizzing reaction when exposed to weak hydrochloric acid. Found worldwide, with major deposits in Mexico, the USA, and Iceland.