Calcite
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Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
3,0
Specific Gravity
2,67 – 2,73
Refractive Index
1,486 – 1,658
Crystal System
Trigonal
Luster
Vitreous,Resinous
Cleavage
Perfect
Fracture
Conchoidal
Color
various
Birefringence
0,172
Pleochroism
Nil
Mohs Hardness
Mohs Hardness: 3,0
1 Soft10 Hard
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Budget (< $50/ct)
Where to Buy Calcite
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Treatments
Massive variety often dyed green to imitate jadeite. Chelsea: commonly red. Solvent test. May be impregnated with wax or plastic: hot point test - Blue Chart Gem Identification, Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, 2010, p 9
3Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
2.67 to 2.73Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
PerfectHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) Perfect and easyMore from other references
ConchoidalArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
1.486 to 1.658Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Uniaxial/-Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
0.172Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) DoublingMore from other references
NilArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
e ray-0.008 to o ray-0.017Arthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
White, yellowish, pink, bluish, orange, colourlessUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Pink, CO2+W. William Hanneman, Pragmatic Spectroscopy For Gemologists (2011)
Transparent,Translucent,OpaqueUlrich Henn and Claudio C. Milisenda, Gemmological Tables (2004) More from other references
Vitreous,ResinousArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
Inert to strong reaction, commonly pinkish-redHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010)
TrigonalHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Scalenohedrons, rhombohedrons, stalactiteArthur Thomas, Gemstones (2009)
A major rock-forming mineral. It occurs in limestones, marbles, chalks, a common cement in clastic sedimentary rocks, and as gangue in hydrothermal veins; in alkalic to mafic igneous rocks; common as speleothems in caves.Anthony et al, Handbook of Mineralogy (2001)
Calcite information at mindat.org
Colombia
DR Congo
[var: Cobalt-bearing Calcite]
[var: Cobalt-bearing Calcite]
Iceland
mindat.org
Myanmar
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Peru
About Calcite
Calcite is one of the most abundant and diverse minerals on Earth, forming the primary constituent of limestone, marble, chalk, and most invertebrate shells. As a gem material, Iceland spar calcite (transparent) was historically used to demonstrate double refraction, and colorful varieties—orange, pink, blue, and green—are carved and polished into decorative objects and cabochons. Calcite reacts with acid, helping mineralogists identify it in the field.
Jewelry Use
Durability
2/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calcite?
Calcite is one of the most abundant and diverse minerals on Earth, forming the primary constituent of limestone, marble, chalk, and most invertebrate shells. As a gem material, Iceland spar calcite (transparent) was historically used to demonstrate double refraction, and colorful varieties—orange, p
What is the hardness of Calcite?
Calcite has a Mohs hardness of 3.0, making it relatively soft for use in jewelry.
What color is Calcite?
Calcite is primarily Various.
How much does Calcite cost?
Calcite falls into the Budget (< $50/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Calcite?
Calcite belongs to the Trigonal crystal system.