mineral

Tumbled orange calcite

Calcite (CaCO₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The smooth, polished pebble is translucent to opaque orange-yellow with a vitreous to waxy luster and pale mottling. Calcite has Mohs hardness 3, trigonal crystal structure, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.7; the photo alone cannot confirm the identification.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Calcite forms in sedimentary, hydrothermal, and metamorphic settings, commonly precipitating from calcium-rich water or filling veins and cavities. Its geological age depends on its source; tumbling and polishing are later human processes.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative and collecting stone; calcite also has major industrial uses in cement, lime, and aggregate, though this small polished piece is not an industrial specimen.

Geological facts

Orange color commonly comes from trace impurities or inclusions. Calcite is readily scratched by a copper coin and fizzes in dilute acid, useful checks on an unpolished fragment.

Field identification & locations

Orange calcite occurs in many regions, including Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. Its rounded, glossy surface indicates tumbling; verify with hardness or acid testing, since other orange minerals can look similar.