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Calcite
Main Deposits
Mexico, Iceland, Brazil, the United States, China, Morocco, and Spain.
Description and Characteristics
Calcite is the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate and is found in a vast array of geological settings: from extensive sedimentary rocks (limestones and marbles) to caves (stalactites) and hydrothermal veins. It belongs to the trigonal crystal system and is world-famous for its birefringence (especially in the Iceland spar variety), an optical phenomenon whereby a beam of light entering the crystal splits into two, causing objects viewed through it to appear doubled.
| Chemical Formula | $$CaCO_3$$ |
|---|---|
| Luster | Vitreous or pearly |
| Streak | White |
| Fracture | Conchoid |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Hardness | 3 Mohs |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
Did you know...?
Its name comes from the Latin word *Calx*, meaning lime.
Calcite is the main component of eggshells and the shells of most marine organisms. Furthermore, it reacts immediately with a fizzing action when it comes into contact with weak acids such as vinegar or lemon juice.
Calcite is the main component of eggshells and the shells of most marine organisms. Furthermore, it reacts immediately with a fizzing action when it comes into contact with weak acids such as vinegar or lemon juice.
New-Age Properties
Calcite is a powerful amplifier and cleanser of energies. Simply having calcite in a room cleanses negative energies from the environment and boosts your personal energy reserves, as well as removing stagnant energy from the body. It is a spiritual stone that facilitates the opening of higher consciousness and psychic abilities. Psychologically, it connects emotions with intellect, creating emotional intelligence. Mentally, it helps relax the mind, teaches discernment and analysis, stimulates perception, and enhances memory. Calcite relieves emotional tension and replaces it with serenity, as it is a stabilizing stone. On a subtle level, a grid of calcites in appropriate colors balances and energizes all the chakras. Hold it or place it wherever it is most appropriate, or use it as an elixir. It works very well as a pendant, and in the bedroom, you can create a grid of calcites around the bed. There are different varieties of calcite with distinct attributes. The above can be used for calcites in general, but we will differentiate the blue, green, orange, pink, and yellow varieties in separate sheets because they are five relevant calcites.