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Calcite
ExploreMineral
Calcite
Calcite is a beautiful mineral that comes in many colors like white, orange, and green. It can be found in caves, mountains, and even in the shells of tiny sea creatures.
Appearance
The Calcite is an incredibly diverse mineral, often appearing as colorless or white crystals, but can be found in almost any color of the rainbow. It frequently forms distinctive rhombohedral shapes or can grow into impressive cave formations like stalactites. Its perfect cleavage often results in smooth, flat surfaces.
KingdomAnimalia
Category
MineralRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Vikings may have used clear Calcite crystals to help navigate by the sun.
Huge caves around the world are decorated with stunning Calcite formations.
Most seashells and magnificent coral reefs are built almost entirely from Calcite!
Your bones and teeth contain a similar calcium mineral, making them strong!
Special abilities
Ability
Double Vision Crystal
Calcite has unique optical properties like birefringence, causing light to split into two, making objects viewed through it look doubled!
Ability
Fizzing Rock Power
Calcite reacts vigorously with weak acids, creating a visible fizz as carbon dioxide gas is released. This helps identify it!
Ability
Magic Light Glow
Some varieties of Calcite can glow in amazing colors under ultraviolet light, appearing to light up on their own.
Measurements & details
- Color Range
- clear, white, yellow, orange, blue, green, pink, brown, black
- Hardness
- 3
- Luster
- vitreous
- Specific Gravity
- 2.71
- Crystal System
- trigonal
Traits
Fluorescent
Fluorescent minerals emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light or other non-visible radiation, a phenomenon called fluorescence.
Gemstone
A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
Crystalline
Crystalline describes a mineral or rock composed of crystals, often exhibiting a regular atomic structure and geometric external form.
Also known as
Iceland SparOptical Calcite
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Calcite is safe to handle, but it's best not to put it in your mouth or eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors can Calcite be?
clear, white, yellow, orange, blue, green, pink, brown, black
How hard is Calcite?
3
What kind of luster does Calcite have?
vitreous
What is Calcite's specific gravity?
2.71
What crystal system does Calcite belong to?
trigonal
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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