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Calcite

Calcite
  • Translations : Kalcit, Calcita, Kalk, Kalcyt, χάλζ, Kalcitas, Kalk, カルサイト, 方解石, Кальцит
  • Synonym : Focobonite, Calc Spar, Kalkhaloid, kalsita, Agyupat, Andromas, Kalkhaloid.
  • Etymology : From latin "calx" = lime.
  • Discovery: 79 by Named as a mineral by Gaius Plinius Secondus (Pliny the elder).
  • Comment : The calcite is polymorph of Aragonite.

The calcite is polymorph of Aragonite.

It is a very widespread stone, however, because of its low hardness, it is a very difficult to cut. A gem cut calcite is a rare gemstone for collectors.

Calcite physical properties gives it an original effect: the duplication. If you place a line behind the stone and look through it, the line will appear as a double line.

To learn more about the mineralogy of the calcite, see Mindat.org

To see some calcite for sale

See the blue calcite for sale

Gemological data

  • Chemical formula : Ca CO3
  • Hardness (Mohs) : 3
  • Density : 2.6 - 2.8
  • Refractive index : nω = 1.640 - 1.660 nε = 1.486
  • Crystal system : Rhomboédric
  • Group : Calcite
  • Mineralogical Class : Carbonates

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