Calcite Dogtooth Limonite-Coated w/ Pyrite Specimen - Select

Calcite Dogtooth Limonite-Coated w/ Pyrite Specimen - Select

Mineral Information:

Calcite is a very common carbonate mineral that is a primary constituent of limestone. Occurs in most of the known world and in numerous colors. It's an aesthetically pleasing material that is highly translucent, sometimes transparent, and often has a flaky, almost rock salt-like texture in rough specimens, with a frosty to clear appearance that may or may not have banding. Though its fragility makes it tricky to use in jewelry, it is popular as a specimen and has numerous industrial uses, particularly when part of limestone. It is related to aragonite and the two are very difficult to distinguish; when aragonite exceeds a certain temperature it can become calcite in a matter of days.

Metaphysical Meaning:

Calcite is powerful for cleansing and is used for spiritual growth. It can also transform negative energy into positive, and can help stabilize and enhance mental clarity.

Mineral Care:

Calcite is a soft stone with a Mohs hardness of just 3. It is ill-advised as a setting for a ring, and great care needs to be taken if cleaning it, as water can damage it. It's not advised to use calcite in gem waters made for consumption.

Disclaimer:

No information here is intended to diagnose, treat or cure ailments or afflictions of any kind. One should always consult a medical professional if a serious issue presents itself.

Statistics:

Category    Carbonate minerals
Formula (repeating unit)    CaCO3
Strunz classification    5.AB.05
Crystal system    Trigonal
Crystal class    Hexagonal scalenohedral (3m)
H-M symbol: (3 2/m)
Space group    R3c
Unit cell    a = 4.9896(2) Å, c = 17.0610(11) Å; Z = 6
Color    Typically colorless or white - may have shades of various colors
Crystal habit    Crystalline, granular, stalactitic, concretionary, massive, rhombohedral
Twinning    Common by four twin laws
Cleavage    Perfect on {1011} three directions with angle of 74° 55'[1]
Fracture    Conchoidal
Tenacity    Brittle
Mohs scale hardness    3 (defining mineral)
Luster    Vitreous to pearly on cleavage surfaces
Streak    White
Diaphaneity    Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity    2.71
Optical properties    Uniaxial (−)
Refractive index    nω = 1.640–1.660 nε = 1.486
Birefringence    δ = 0.154–0.174
Fusibility    Infusible (decrepitates energetically)[2]
Solubility    Soluble in dilute acids
Other characteristics    May fluoresce red, blue, yellow, and other colors under either SW and LW UV; phosphorescent