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trigonalcommonCarbonates
Calcite
CaCO3
This specimen features a cluster of clear to white, well-formed calcite crystals, exhibiting characteristic rhombohedral forms, measuring 7 cm across.
Calcite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
perfect rhombohedral in three directionsFracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.71Colors
colorless, white, yellow, orange, pink, red, brown, green, blue, gray, blackTransparency
transparentType Locality
Pugh Quarry, Custar, Wood County, OhioMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
cement production, construction aggregate, soil conditioner, optical instruments, acid neutralization, collector specimensAssociated Minerals
dolomite, quartz, pyrite, galena, sphalerite, fluorite, bariteRarity
commonGeological Context
Calcite is a ubiquitous rock-forming mineral, commonly found in sedimentary rocks like limestone and dolostone, where it precipitates from aqueous solutions or forms biogenically. It also occurs in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic rocks.