mineral

Tumbled yellow calcite

Calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically pale honey-yellow to cream, translucent, with a vitreous to pearly luster; Mohs hardness 3, excellent rhombohedral cleavage, and trigonal crystal structure. The rounded shape and surface polish indicate human tumbling.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Calcite forms in sedimentary limestones, hydrothermal veins, caves, and metamorphic marbles; its age depends on the deposit, ranging from recent to hundreds of millions of years. Yellow coloration commonly comes from iron or other trace impurities.

Uses & applications

Used for cement, lime, agricultural soil treatment, construction stone, and ornamental objects; attractive transparent specimens are collected, though this opaque tumbled piece has modest value.

Geological facts

Calcite effervesces strongly with dilute hydrochloric acid or vinegar, although vinegar may react slowly. It can be scratched easily with a steel knife and is much softer than quartz.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found worldwide, including Mexico, the United States, Iceland, and China. The image is consistent with tumbled calcite, but yellow aragonite, serpentine, or dyed material cannot be ruled out without testing.