mineral

Yellow Calcite

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: canary yellow to pale gold; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale
Color: canary yellow to pale gold
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 30, 2026More mineral →

Explore Yellow Calcite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: canary yellow to pale gold; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific Gravity: 2.71

Formation & geological history

Formed through sedimentary processes, primarily from the accumulation of calcium-rich marine organisms or through chemical precipitation in hot springs and caves. It occurs in a variety of geological ages from Precambrian to Holocene.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a decorative stone, in lapidary for carving, or as a metaphysical healing crystal. In industrial form, calcite is used in cement, fertilizers, and as a calcium supplement.

Geological facts

Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth. It exhibits double refraction (birefringence), where light passing through a clear specimen splits into two rays, making objects behind it appear doubled.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its rhombohedral cleavage and reaction (fizzing) to dilute hydrochloric acid. It is significantly softer than quartz, which it can superficially resemble. Common locations include Mexico, Brazil, and the USA.