Specimen at a glance
| Mineral | Calcite |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | CaCO3 |
| Mohs hardness | 3 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Locality | New Jersey |
| You receive | The exact specimen pictured |
About this specimen
Calcite and quartz specimen with visible sulfide mineralization, New Jersey. Lot #70.
Calcite: the science
- Calcite has perfect rhombohedral cleavage: tap it hard and it breaks into slanted blocks along three directions.
- Clear calcite shows double refraction. Set it on printed text and you see the letters twice.
- It fizzes in weak acid, a classic field test. That is also why acid cleaners will damage it.
Go deeper
Want the full story on calcite: how it forms, how to identify it, and what makes a great specimen?
Questions about this piece
What is calcite?
Calcite is calcium carbonate, the mineral that makes up limestone, marble, cave formations, and many seashells. It crystallizes in more shapes than almost any other mineral.
Where was it found?
This piece comes from New Jersey. We list a locality whenever it is known, because where a mineral formed is part of its story and its value.
How hard is it, and how should I care for it?
It rates 3 on the Mohs scale. Calcite is soft (Mohs 3) and cleaves easily. Handle gently, never use vinegar or acid cleaners, and dust with a soft brush. Rinse only briefly in plain water.
Is this the exact piece I will receive?
Yes. This listing was photographed individually, and you receive the exact piece shown in the photos.
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