Calcite

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Physical & Optical Properties

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

1 Talc 2 Gypsum 3 Calcite 4 Fluorite 5 Apatite 6 Orthoclase 7 Quartz 8 Topaz 9 Corundum 10 Diamond Calcite
Mohs hardness of Calcite shown against the ten reference minerals, from talc (1) to diamond (10).
Mohs Reference mineral Calcite
1 Talc
2 Gypsum
3 Calcite
4 Fluorite
5 Apatite
6 Orthoclase
7 Quartz
8 Topaz
9 Corundum
10 Diamond

Crystal System

a a a Trigonal (Rhombohedral) a = b = c, α = β = γ ≠ 90°

Value & Market

Price Tier Budget (< $50/ct)

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&nbsp; DR Congo&nbsp; [var: Cobalt-bearing Calcite] [var: Cobalt-bearing Calcite] Iceland&nbsp; mindat.org Myanmar&nbsp; Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok Peru&nbsp;

About Calcite

方解石是自然界中分布最广泛的碳酸盐矿物,以其多样的晶形(超过300种)、丰富的颜色变化和独特的双折射性而著称,通过方解石晶体可以看到目标物体的双影。冰洲石是极为透明的光学级方解石,古代曾用于偏振光学仪器。世界各地均有方解石产出,是石灰岩、大理岩的主要成分。

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calcite?
方解石是自然界中分布最广泛的碳酸盐矿物,以其多样的晶形(超过300种)、丰富的颜色变化和独特的双折射性而著称,通过方解石晶体可以看到目标物体的双影。冰洲石是极为透明的光学级方解石,古代曾用于偏振光学仪器。世界各地均有方解石产出,是石灰岩、大理岩的主要成分。
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.

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