mineral
Yellow Calcite
Calcite (CaCO3)
Hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, pale yellow to golden color, vitreous to earthy luster, rhombohedral crystal structure, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, specific gravity of 2.71
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 of 3 on the Mohs scale, pale yellow to golden color, vitreous to earthy luster, rhombohedral crystal structure, perfect rhombohedral cleavage, specific gravity of 2.71
Formation & geological history
Forms in sedimentary environments through the precipitation of calcium carbonate from solution, as well as in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic marbles
Uses & applications
Used in decorative items, lapidary arts, mineral collections, and metaphysical practices; industrial calcite is used in construction and manufacturing
Geological facts
Calcite exhibits strong double refraction (birefringence), where objects viewed through clear crystals appear doubled
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic rhombohedral cleavage and effervescence (bubbling) when tested with weak hydrochloric acid; found worldwide
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral