
mineral
Yellow Calcite
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to honey-orange; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific gravity: 2.71.
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pale yellow to honey-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Yellow Calcite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to honey-orange; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific gravity: 2.71.
Formation & geological history
Forms in sedimentary environments through chemical precipitation from calcium-rich solutions, or in hydrothermal veins of metamorphic and igneous origin. Common in limestone caves as stalactites or stalagmites.
Uses & applications
Primary source of lime for cement and fertilizer; used as a decorative stone, in jewelry (faceted or cabochon), and as a metaphysical healing stone in collecting circles.
Geological facts
Calcite is unique for its property of double refraction; if you look through a clear crystal, images appear doubled. It is also the primary component of sea shells and pearls.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its 3-way cleavage that looks like slanted boxes and its reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid (it will fizz). Found globally in places like Mexico, USA, and Brazil.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous