Calcite

Calcite is a very popular mineral composed of calcium carbonate. ^[1]

Calcite: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Calcite:

• Transparency: Calcite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, calcite can be hexagonal or trigonal.
• Luster: In terms of luster, calcite can be pearly or vitreous (glassy).
• Streak: Calcite streaks white.
• Hardness: Calcite's hardness is 3 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Calcite's specific gravity ranges from 2.71 to 2.94.

Calcite: Background and Summary

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.

One of the easiest ways to identify calcite is by its crystal shape. Calcite crystals are typically rhombohedral in shape, meaning they have six sides that are all the same length and angles that are not right angles. Calcite is also known for its strong double refraction, which means that light passing through the mineral will split into two rays that travel at different speeds. This property can be observed by looking at an object through a clear piece of calcite, which will appear to be doubled.

Calcite has many uses in industry and in everyday life. It is commonly used in the construction industry as a building material, particularly in the form of limestone and marble. Calcite is also used in the production of cement, as a soil conditioner, and as a filler in products such as paint, rubber, and plastics. In addition, calcite is used in the manufacture of optical instruments and lenses, due to its strong double refraction.