Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
trigonalcommonCarbonates
Calcite
CaCO3
This image displays a well-formed, transparent to translucent, colorless rhombohedral crystal of calcite, exhibiting its characteristic perfect cleavage and vitreous luster.
Calcite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
Perfect rhombohedral in three directions at 74° and 106°Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.71Colors
white, colorless, gray, yellow, pink, green, blue, brown, blackTransparency
transparentType Locality
Iraí, Alto Uruguai region, Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Region, BrazilMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
cement production, construction aggregate, soil conditioner, optical instruments, acid neutralization, jewelry (rarely)Associated Minerals
quartz, fluorite, barite, pyrite, galena, sphaleriteRarity
commonGeological Context
Calcite is a ubiquitous mineral, forming in various geological settings including sedimentary rocks (limestone, marble), hydrothermal veins, and as a secondary mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is the primary component of shells and skeletons of many marine organisms.
