| Calcite, which gets its name from "chalix" the Greek word for lime, is a most amazing and yet, most common mineral. It is one of the most common minerals on the face of the Earth, comprising about 4% by weight of the Earth's crust and is formed in many different geological environments. Calcite can form rocks of considerable mass and constitutes a significant part of all three major rock classification types. It forms oolitic, fossiliferous and massive limestones in sedimentary environments and even serves as the cements for many sandstones and shales. Limestone becomes marble from the heat and pressure of metamorphic events. Calcite is even a major component in the igneous rock called carbonatite and forms the major portion of many hydrothermal veins. Some of these rock types are composed of better than 99% calcite. Why would a collector be interested in such a common mineral? Its extraordinary diversity and beauty! With calcite so abundant and so widely distributed it is no wonder that it can be so varied. The crystals of calcite can form literally a thousand different shapes by combining the basic forms of the positive rhombohedron, negative rhombohedron, steeply, moderately and slightly inclined rhombohedrons, various scalahedrons, prism and pinacoid to name a few of the more common forms. There are more than 300 crystal forms identified in calcite and these forms can combine to produce the thousand different crystal variations. Calcite also produces many twin varieties that are favourites among twin collectors. There are also phantoms, included crystals, colour varieties, pseudomorphs and unique associations. There simply is no end to the varieties of calcite.
Hardness: 3. Other characteristics.
wonderful yellow calcite from China
(from Vesuvius) | 
my red calcite (poor picture)
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An interesting piece of calcite from Mexico
orange calcite from Mexico
green calcite from MexicoA nice piece of rough blue calcite from Mexico
A piece of natural quartz with an interesting formation
(blob on blob)
See also Cinnabar included calcite on cinnabar
Calcite from Belgium!
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| Provides comfort and consolation for those in emotional crises. It refreshes the system and gives new inspiration when you are a little "down". Used by healers to cure : bladder, pancreas.  | This is a piece of Optical Calcite, otherwise known as Iceland Spa, a white fibrous variety. This piece is from Mexico. Metaphysically, it is said to help us relate to the world in a balanced and productive way, with clarity. |
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