Calcite – Meaning, Properties & Origin | Gemstone Encyclopedia

Calcite captivates with its diverse colors and natural transparency.


A versatile gemstone with a vibrant radiance and special character.

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Calcite – Colorful Gemstone for Jewelry and Gemstone Water

Calcite belongs to the carbonate mineral class and is known for its diverse colors and applications. Compared to harder minerals like quartz or feldspar, calcite is relatively soft and readily soluble in water, making it ideal for producing gemstone water.
Colors & Variants

In its pure form, calcite is colorless. However, admixtures of other elements result in numerous color variants:

White, Yellow, Green, Gray, Red

Orange, Blue, Black
Orange calcite is particularly popular for making donuts, tumbled stones, and jewelry.

Mineralogy & Properties

Chemical Formula: CaCO₃

Mineral Class: Carbonates

Formation: mostly sedimentary, rock-forming in limestones and marble, in ore veins, in geodes and fissures

Color: colorless to yellowish, red, green, or blue

Luster: vitreous to dull

Crystal System: trigonal

Mohs Hardness: 3

Cleavage: very good rhombohedral cleavage

Occurrence

The main supplier countries for calcite are: USA, Mexico, Brazil, and Russia.

Calcite – a versatile gemstone that convinces both in jewelry and in the production of gemstone water.