mineral

Tumbled honey calcite

Calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 3 Mohs; translucent cream, honey-yellow to orange coloration with a waxy-to-glassy luster. Trigonal crystal structure and perfect rhombohedral cleavage, though polishing obscures cleavage; reacts vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid.

Identified September 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely calcite formed in carbonate sediments, hydrothermal veins, or cavities and later tumbled/polished. Calcite occurs from Precambrian to modern deposits; the specimen’s exact age and locality cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Used to manufacture cement, lime, and agricultural soil treatments; transparent varieties are collected or cut as decorative stone. Common tumbled pieces have modest gem-market value.

Geological facts

Honey coloration commonly results from iron or other trace impurities; calcite is highly birefringent, producing double refraction through clear pieces.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its very low hardness, rhombohedral cleavage, and fizzing in acid; it can be scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include Mexico, the United States, Brazil, and Madagascar.