mineral

Tumbled calcite (likely honey/yellow calcite)

Calcite — calcium carbonate, CaCO₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Creamy yellow to honey-brown, translucent in places, with a matte-to-waxy tumbled surface and visible cleavage remnants. Hardness is Mohs 3, rhombohedral crystal structure, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.71.

Identified August 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Calcite commonly forms in limestone, hydrothermal veins, caves, and sedimentary cavities through precipitation from calcium-rich fluids. This specimen is polished/tumbled; its exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used to make cement, lime, agricultural soil amendments, and optical/calibration materials; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive decorative or metaphysical specimens.

Geological facts

Calcite effervesces readily with dilute hydrochloric acid and may show strong birefringence, producing doubled images through clear pieces. Yellow coloration commonly comes from iron or other trace impurities.

Field identification & locations

Likely calcite rather than quartz because of its low hardness, cloudy appearance, and pale honey color; confirm with a scratch test against copper (calcite scratches easily) and dilute acid. Common worldwide, especially in limestone regions.