mineral

Tumbled yellow calcite (probable)

Calcite — calcium carbonate, CaCO₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Cream to honey-yellow, opaque, and matte to softly waxy; likely Mohs hardness 3, with rhombohedral cleavage and specific gravity about 2.71. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or polishing; the image is insufficient to confirm mineral identity.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled yellow calcite (probable) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Calcite forms in limestone, hydrothermal veins, caves, and sedimentary environments, commonly from precipitation or alteration. Individual specimens may range from recent deposits to rocks hundreds of millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Used industrially for cement, lime, aggregate, glass, agriculture, and chemical production; attractive yellow pieces are sold as inexpensive decorative or metaphysical specimens.

Geological facts

Calcite effervesces vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid and shows strong birefringence through transparent pieces. Yellow coloration can result from iron, organic matter, or other impurities.

Field identification & locations

Likely calcite if it scratches easily with a steel knife and fizzes with acid; it should not scratch glass. Similar-looking tumbled aragonite, yellow quartz, or dyed stone remain possible without testing.