Calcite
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/14730981@N08">James Petts</a> from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameCalcite
Chemical FormulaCaCO3
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral in three directions
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.71
Colorswhite, yellowish-white
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityCardiff
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesconstruction, agriculture, industrial, optical, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, fluorite, pyrite, galena, sphalerite
Raritycommon
Description
A translucent, yellowish-white to white mineral specimen displaying distinct rhombohedral cleavage planes, with some surfaces exhibiting iridescence.
Geological Context
Calcite is a ubiquitous mineral found in various geological settings, including sedimentary rocks (limestone, marble), hydrothermal veins, and as a secondary mineral in caves (speleothems). It is a primary component of many marine organisms' shells.
