Calcite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameCalcite
Chemical FormulaCaCO3
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral (3 directions at 74° 55')
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.71
Colorswhite, pink, purple
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBatère Mine, Pyrénées Orientales, France
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesindustrial, construction, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, fluorite, barite, sulfides
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a large, complex aggregate of elongated, bladed calcite crystals forming a distinctive V-shape, characteristic of polysynthetic twinning. The crystals exhibit a pale pinkish-white to light purple hue with a sparkling, translucent appearance.
Geological Context
Calcite is a ubiquitous mineral found in various geological settings, including sedimentary rocks, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic environments. This specimen from Batère Mine likely formed in a hydrothermal vein system associated with metallic ore deposits.
