Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126871366" class="extiw" title="d:Q126871366"><span title="photographer from the United States">Nessa Eull</span></a></bdi> (CC0)
trigonalcommonCarbonates
Calcite
CaCO3
This is a relatively large calcite crystal, measuring 9 cm in its longest dimension, exhibiting a distinct 'dog tooth spar' form.
Calcite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3Crystal System
trigonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
Perfect rhombohedral in three directions (74° 55')Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.71Colors
colorless, white, gray, yellow, green, pink, brown, blackTransparency
transparentType Locality
Unknown location in Missouri, USAMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
cement production, construction material, agricultural soil treatment, optical instruments (Iceland spar), flux in metallurgy, chemical industry, ornamental stone, collector's specimensAssociated Minerals
quartz, fluorite, barite, galena, sphalerite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, zeolitesRarity
commonGeological Context
Calcite is a ubiquitous mineral, forming in various geological settings including sedimentary environments as limestone and marble, hydrothermal veins, and as a secondary mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
