What is Calcite?

Calcite is a carbonate mineral, which means it contains a carbonate ion. The chemical formula of calcite is CaCO3. It is classified into the trigonal crystal system, and even further classified in the hexagonal lattice system.

Calcite can be many, many colors. They can occur in nature as white or colorless, and can also have shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, and sometimes black.                                                           Green Calcite

Calcite has a streak color of white, and a vitreous(glass-like) or pearly luster. It has a hardness of 3 in the mohs hardness scale.

Where is Calcite Found?

Calcite is an extremely common mineral, and can be found anywhere in the world. Calcite can occur in all three types of rocks(sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic). Calcite commonly occurs in limestone, which is a type of sedimentary rock. It is commonly found in marble, which is a metamorphic rock. When forming in igneous rocks, it is found in rocks like carbonatite, kimberlite, and sometimes peridotite.

Calcite is often part of the shells of marine organisms. It can also be part of red algae, sponges, brachiopods, or echinoderms. Calcite is also found in mineral deposits from hot springs.

Uses of Calcite

Construction

Calcite in the form of limestone or marble is commonly used in the construction industry. Limestone and marble are also used to make cement and concrete, two materials that are extremely important in the making of monuments or buildings.

Acid Neutralization

Calcite is used as a neutralizer of acids. Limestone and marble are spread on fields to neutralize the soil. Calcite is also used to neutralize acid-containing streams. Limestone is deposited into the water. Calcium carbonate is also made into tablets for the neutralization of stomach acids.

Paint

Because of its white streak, calcite was often used as a pigment in white paint. It was also an important ingredient in whitewash.

Mine Safety Dust

Limestone is used to make a type of spray that is sprayed on the walls of coal mines. This spray reduces coal dust in the air, which is an explosion hazard.