Calcite
Image: Seldonsan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameCalcite
Chemical FormulaCaCO3
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral in three directions
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.71
Colorswhite, colorless, yellow, orange, brown, pink, green, blue, black
Transparencytransparent to translucent
Type Localityworldwide
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usesconstruction, agriculture, optical, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, fluorite, barite, sulfides
Raritycommon
Description
A large cluster of translucent, light brown to yellowish-orange rhombohedral calcite crystals, exhibiting distinct blocky forms.
Geological Context
Calcite is a very common mineral found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. It is the primary mineral in limestones and marbles, forms in hydrothermal veins, and can precipitate from groundwater in caves.
