mineral

Yellow Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: pale yellow to golden; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in three directions; Specific gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: pale yellow to golden
Luster: vitreous to pearly

Identified July 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary precipitation in marine environments or hydrothermal veins. It is a common constituent of sedimentary rocks like limestone and can also be found in metamorphic marbles.

Uses & applications

Used as an acid neutralizer in the chemical industry, a flux in metallurgy, an abrasive in cleaning agents, and widely used as an ornamental stone and in crystal healing collections.

Geological facts

Calcite is known for its property of double refraction (birefringence), where light passing through a clear crystal is split into two rays. It is one of the most common minerals on Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its softness (can be scratched by a copper coin) and its effervescence (bubbling) when in contact with weak hydrochloric acid or vinegar. Commonly found in limestone quarries and cave environments.