Calcite is a common mineral found in sedimentary rocks, limestone, and caves. It can be yellow, colorless, green, blue, gray, or red. Calcite is used for cement, lime, construction, and decorative purposes. It is also believed to have healing powers.
Calcite, or calcium carbonate, is one of the most common minerals on earth. It is found in large sedimentary rock masses and in limestone. It can also be found in cave deposits, such as stalactites, stalagmites and encrustations. Because it is so common, it is nearly impossible to specify every occurrence of calcite; however, there are some well-studied localities where calcite crystals can be found. These locations include the Harz Mountains, Germany; Lancashire, England; Joplin, Missouri; and Guanajuato, Mexico.
Depending on where the calcite is found, it can range in color from yellow to colorless. Some specimens have been found in which the mineral was colored green, blue, gray and even red. If it is brown or black in color, it is considered unclean.
The luster of calcite also varies from glassy or glass-like to resinous. When found in large masses, it can also appear opaque. Also, because your finger can scratch it easily, it’s not considered a hard mineral.
Calcite crystals often enclose quartz sand. The combination of the crystals and quartz sand creates sandstone crystals. These crystals are most prominent in Fontainebleau, France, and the Badlands of South Dakota.
There are several uses for calcite. The most important use is for the production of cement and lime for the creation of mortars. Limestone is the main raw material; however, when heated, it forms quicklime. When calcite from limestone is mixed with water, it sets and forms mortar.
Calcite is also used in the construction industry. Limestone is used for decorative purposes. Travertine, or mineral deposits, is used for ornamental flooring in bathrooms and kitchens. The Icelandic spar, a clear variety, is used in optical instruments. It is also used to create polarized light.
Mexican onyx is a banded form of calcite that is also used for decorative purposes. It is usually carved into vases, figurines, eggs, obelisks and pyramids. The artwork typically has bands of brown, tan, white, red, and yellow. It can appear smooth, like marble, in texture, giving sculptures an elegant look.
Some people believe that calcite crystals have healing powers. For example, if a crystal is white in color, it is thought to increase energy. It is also believed to bring inner peace, promote imagination and increase wealth. If it is yellow in color, it is believed to stimulate intellectual thoughts. If it’s red, it’s thought to detoxify the body, help people find love, and increase one’s willpower.
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