mineral
Tumbled yellow calcite
Calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 3; pale honey-yellow, translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and no visible crystal faces due to tumbling. Calcite is trigonal, has perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.71.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 3; pale honey-yellow, translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and no visible crystal faces due to tumbling. Calcite is trigonal, has perfect rhombohedral cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.71.
Formation & geological history
Forms widely in limestone, marble, hydrothermal veins, and cave deposits through precipitation from carbonate-rich fluids; specimens may range from ancient sedimentary material to geologically recent vein or cave growth.
Uses & applications
Commonly sold as a decorative tumbled stone, lapidary material, and metaphysical collectible; calcite is also important industrially for cement, lime, aggregate, and chemical manufacturing.
Geological facts
Calcite effervesces vigorously in dilute hydrochloric acid and shows strong birefringence, producing doubled images through clear pieces. Yellow coloration commonly results from iron or other trace impurities.
Field identification & locations
Likely calcite if it scratches easily with a steel knife and fizzes in acid; quartz would be much harder and would not react. Common sources include Mexico, Brazil, Iceland, and the United States.
