AllMineralsRock
Calcite Vs. Smoky Quartz
Calcite is a very popular mineral composed of calcium carbonate.[1] Smoky quartz is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is silicon dioxide.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Calcite and Smoky Quartz
For a quick recap of the differences calcite and smoky quartz:- While both calcite and smoky quartz can be translucent or transparent, calcite can be opaque.
- While both calcite and smoky quartz can be hexagonal, in terms of crystallography, calcite can be trigonal.
- For chemical formulas, calcite is CaCO3 while smoky quartz is SiO2.
- While both calcite and smoky quartz can be vitreous, in terms of luster, calcite can be pearly.
- Calcite can be commonly red while smoky quartz can be commonly black or brown.
- Calcite's rarity is less rare than smoky quartz.
-
Calcite's hardness is lower than smoky quartz - calcite is 3 and smoky quartz is 7 on the Moh's scale.
- Calcite can be scratched by copper pennies (3.5), the average knife blade (4.5), glass (5.5) or quartz (7) while smoky quartz can not be.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Calcite and Smoky Quartz
The similarities of calcite and smoky quartz include:- Calcite and smoky quartz both streak white.
Summary of Calcite
Calcite is a mineral that is widely distributed throughout the world. It is a carbonate mineral that is composed of calcium carbonate, which gives it a white or colorless appearance. Calcite is often found in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and marble, as well as in hydrothermal veins and in some metamorphic rocks. It is also found in the shells of marine organisms, such as clams and oysters.Summary of Smoky Quartz
Smoky quartz is a mineral that is a member of the quartz family. It is one of the most common minerals on earth and is found in many different locations around the world. Smoky quartz gets its name from its smoky brown color, which is caused by natural radiation from nearby rocks during the formation process. The color can range from light brown to almost black, and it may also have a slightly transparent or translucent appearance.Table Comparison of Calcite vs Smoky Quartz
| Calcite (src) | Smoky Quartz (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | transparent, translucent |
| Chemical Formula | CaCO3 | SiO2 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium carbonate | silicon dioxide |
| Hardness | 3 | 7 |
| Streak | white | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal | hexagonal |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: red sometimes: pink, purple, colorless less common: blue, gray, black, brown, green, white, orange, yellow, multicolor |
common: black, brown |