Calcite
Image: Thomas Bresson (CC BY 4.0)
Mineral NameCalcite
Chemical FormulaCaCO3
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral in three directions
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.71
Colorsyellowish-white, cream, light beige
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWorldwide in limestone caves
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesbuilding material, cement production, soil treatment, chemical industry, collector specimens
Associated Mineralsaragonite, dolomite, gypsum, various clays
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a large, yellowish-white to cream-colored cave formation (speleothem) with a textured, somewhat waxy surface, appearing wet in places. The base shows granular, botryoidal growth.
Geological Context
Calcite commonly forms in caves as speleothems (e.g., flowstones, stalactites, stalagmites) through the precipitation of calcium carbonate from supersaturated groundwater, typically in limestone environments.
