RockVault
Calcite

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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

3

Crystal System

trigonal

Luster

vitreous

Streak Color

white

Cleavage

perfect rhombohedral in three directions

Fracture

conchoidal

Specific Gravity

2.71

Colors

colorless, white, yellow, orange, pink, red, brown, green, blue, gray, black

Transparency

transparent

Type Locality

Pugh Quarry, Custar, Wood County, Ohio

Mineral Group

Carbonates

Uses

cement production, construction aggregate, soil conditioner, optical instruments, acid neutralization, collector specimens

Associated Minerals

dolomite, quartz, pyrite, galena, sphalerite, fluorite, barite

Rarity

common

Geological 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.