Calcite
Image: <bdi><a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:ComputerHotline" title="User:ComputerHotline">Thomas Bresson</a></bdi> (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameCalcite
Chemical FormulaCaCO3
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral in three directions
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.71
Colorswhite, yellow, orange
Transparencytransparent to opaque
Type LocalityFort du Salbert, France
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesconstruction, agriculture, industrial, optical, collector
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a yellowish-orange stalactite formation, with a drop of water clinging to its tip, revealing a granular, white interior structure.
Geological Context
Calcite stalactites are speleothems that form in caves or other underground environments, such as the described fortifications, through the slow precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich water dripping from the ceiling.
