Calcite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page kindly sponsored by Dr. Wing Tak Lui
About Calcite
Formula:
CaCO3
Colour:
White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Blue, Green, Brown, Gray etc.
Lustre:
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Pearly
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
2.7102
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Member of:
Name:
Ancient name. Named as a mineral by Gaius Plinius Secundus (Pliny the elder) in 79 from Calx, Latin for Lime.
Calcite Group. Calcite-Rhodochrosite Series.
A very common and widespread mineral with highly variable forms and colours. Calcite is best recognized by its relatively low Mohs hardness (3) and its high reactivity with even weak acids, such as vinegar, plus its prominent rhombohedral cleavage in most varieties.
NOTE on the unit cell and the Miller indices: Before the advent of X-ray crystallography, the axial ratios were determined by measuring the interfacial angles and looking for the smallest numbers that fitted, assuming that the largest faces were the lowest order. Remarkably the classical crystallographers usually got it right, confirmed by indexing the X-ray diffraction patterns. However, for calcite and the calcite group they got it wrong. The old morphological calcite cell had c/a = 0.8543. The structural cell has c four times as large as would have been calculated for the morphological cell, now c/a = 3.419 (Maslen et al. 1993). Most of the Miller indices here are from ancient times and the c value should, therefore, be multiplied by 4. E.g. the rhombohedral cleavage is given as "Perfect on {1011}" in the old setting and should be "Perfect on {1014}" in the correct structural setting.
An important biomineral. As such, it forms from metastable vaterite via dissolution-reprecipitation process, preceded by vaterite formation via dissolution of its precursor, that is Unnamed (Amorphous Calcium Carbonate) (Bots et al., 2012; Sugiura et al., 2016). Calcite biomineralization may be induced by bacteria. A very recent review on fungal calcite biomineralization is given by Bindschedler et al. (2016). Vaterite/calcite precipitates are known in the Cladosporium fungus, too (Ye et al., 2023). Also found - as its Mg-rich variety - comprising armor in Acromyrmex echinatior leaf-cutter ant.
Aquilano et al. (2023) suggest a re-examination of the polymorphic calcite-aragonite system due to (overlooked) homo-epitaxy.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Calcite.
A very common and widespread mineral with highly variable forms and colours. Calcite is best recognized by its relatively low Mohs hardness (3) and its high reactivity with even weak acids, such as vinegar, plus its prominent rhombohedral cleavage in most varieties.
NOTE on the unit cell and the Miller indices: Before the advent of X-ray crystallography, the axial ratios were determined by measuring the interfacial angles and looking for the smallest numbers that fitted, assuming that the largest faces were the lowest order. Remarkably the classical crystallographers usually got it right, confirmed by indexing the X-ray diffraction patterns. However, for calcite and the calcite group they got it wrong. The old morphological calcite cell had c/a = 0.8543. The structural cell has c four times as large as would have been calculated for the morphological cell, now c/a = 3.419 (Maslen et al. 1993). Most of the Miller indices here are from ancient times and the c value should, therefore, be multiplied by 4. E.g. the rhombohedral cleavage is given as "Perfect on {1011}" in the old setting and should be "Perfect on {1014}" in the correct structural setting.
An important biomineral. As such, it forms from metastable vaterite via dissolution-reprecipitation process, preceded by vaterite formation via dissolution of its precursor, that is Unnamed (Amorphous Calcium Carbonate) (Bots et al., 2012; Sugiura et al., 2016). Calcite biomineralization may be induced by bacteria. A very recent review on fungal calcite biomineralization is given by Bindschedler et al. (2016). Vaterite/calcite precipitates are known in the Cladosporium fungus, too (Ye et al., 2023). Also found - as its Mg-rich variety - comprising armor in Acromyrmex echinatior leaf-cutter ant.
Aquilano et al. (2023) suggest a re-examination of the polymorphic calcite-aragonite system due to (overlooked) homo-epitaxy.
Visit gemdat.org for gemological information about Calcite.Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
859
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:859:4
Similar Names
IMA Classification of Calcite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
Classification of Calcite
5.AB.05
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
B : Alkali-earth (and other M2+) carbonates
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
B : Alkali-earth (and other M2+) carbonates
Dana 7th ed.:
14.1.1.1
14.1.1.1
14 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES
1 : A(XO3)
14 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES
1 : A(XO3)
11.4.1
11 : Carbonates
4 : Carbonates of Ca
11 : Carbonates
4 : Carbonates of Ca
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Cal | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Cal | Kretz (1983) | Kretz, R. (1983) Symbols of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 68, 277–279. |
| Cal | Siivolam & Schmid (2007) | Siivolam, J. and Schmid, R. (2007) Recommendations by the IUGS Subcommission on the Systematics of Metamorphic Rocks: List of mineral abbreviations. Web-version 01.02.07. IUGS Commission on the Systematics in Petrology. download |
| Cal | Whitney & Evans (2010) | Whitney, D.L. and Evans, B.W. (2010) Abbreviations for names of rock-forming minerals. American Mineralogist, 95, 185–187 doi:10.2138/am.2010.3371 |
| Cal | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
| Cal | Warr (2020) | Warr, L.N. (2020) Recommended abbreviations for the names of clay minerals and associated phases. Clay Minerals, 55, 261–264 doi:10.1180/clm.2020.30 |
Physical Properties of Calcite
Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
Pearly on cleavage and {0001}. Can be dull or earthy in chalk variety.
Colour:
White, Yellow, Red, Orange, Blue, Green, Brown, Gray etc.
Comment:
Trace Mg, Fe, and Cu substitute for Ca2+, inducing lattice distortion as confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and Raman. The four blue samples show identical 270/340 nm UV absorptions and 480 nm PL emission bands, with no transition-metal characteristic peaks. EPR analysis detects a CO2− radical center (g = 2.003) in samples C1–C4 and the colorless C5. Since C5 also contains these radicals, the radicals alone cannot explain the blue color.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
3 on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Mohs hardness reference species
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {1011}.
Perfect on {1011}.
Parting:
Readily along twin lamellae {0112} and {0001}.
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
2.7102(2) g/cm3 (Measured) 2.711 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Calcite
Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.658 nε = 1.486
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.172
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Moderate (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Optical Extinction:
Symmetrical to cleavage traces.
Chemistry of Calcite
Mindat Formula:
CaCO3
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
CAS Registry number:
Common Impurities:
Mn,Fe,Zn,Co,Ba,Sr,Pb,Mg,Cu,Al,Ni,V,Cr,Mo
Chemical Analysis
Oxide wt%:
| 1 | |
|---|---|
| SiO2 | 0.86 % |
| Fe2O3 | 0.49 % |
| Al2O3 | 0.14 % |
| MnO | 3.95 % |
| CaO | 50.68 % |
| MgO | 0.61 % |
| CO2 | 41.45 % |
| H2O | 0.11 % |
| Insolubles | 1.30 % |
| Total: | 99.59 % |
Sample references:
| ID | Locality | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quenast, Rebecq, Walloon Brabant, Wallonia, Belgium |
Crystallography of Calcite
Crystal System:
Trigonal
Class (H-M):
3m(32/m) - Hexagonal Scalenohedral
Space Group:
R3c
Setting:
R3c
Cell Parameters:
a = 4.9896(2) Å, c = 17.061(11) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 3.419
Unit Cell V:
367.85 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
6
Morphology:
Over 800 different forms have been described. Most commonly as acute rhombohedrons or prismatic with scalenohedral terminations, or combinations of the two.
Twinning:
At least four twin laws have been described, the most common being when the twin plane and the composition plane are {0112}. Also common with twinning on {0001} with {0001} as the compositional surface, producing re-entrant angles. Uncommon with {1011} or {0221} as twin planes, producing somewhat heart-shaped crystals ("butterfly" twins).
Crystallographic forms of Calcite
Crystal Atlas:
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Calcite no.1 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.2 - {101} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.3 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.4 - {021} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.5 - {211} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.6 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.7 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.8 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.9 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.10 - {021} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.11 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.12 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.13 - {100} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.14 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.15 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.16 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.17 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.18 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.19 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.20 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.21 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.22 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.23 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.24 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.25 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.26 - {401} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.27 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.28 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.29 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.30 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.31 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.32 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.33 - {100} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.34 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.35 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.36 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.37 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.38 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.39 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.40 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.41 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.42 - {401} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.43 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.44 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.45 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.46 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.47 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.48 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.49 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.50 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.51 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.52 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.53 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.54 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.55 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.56 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.57 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.58 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.59 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.60 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.61 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.62 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.63 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.64 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.65 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.66 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.67 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.68 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.69 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.70 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.71 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.72 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.73 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.74 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.75 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.76 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.77 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.78 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.79 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.80 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.81 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.82 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.83 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.84 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.85 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.86 - {001} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.87 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.88 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.89 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.90 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.91 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.92 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.93 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.94 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.95 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.96 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.97 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.98 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.99 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.100 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.101 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.102 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.103 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.104 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.105 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.106 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.107 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.108 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.109 - {100} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.110 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.111 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.112 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.113 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.114 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.115 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.116 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.117 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.118 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.119 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.120 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.121 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.122 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.123 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.132 - {001} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.162 - {001} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.1708 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1709 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1710 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1711 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1712 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1713 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1714 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1715 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1716 - {021} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1717 - {401} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1718 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1719 - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1720 - {021} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1721 - {101} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1722 - {101} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1723 - {532} - Goldschmidt (1913)
Calcite no.1724 - {214} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2032 - {001} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2179 - {401} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2266 - {581} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2323 - {101} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2326 - {101} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2342 - {021} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2403 - {012} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2467 - {001} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite no.2481 - {211} - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Calcite - Contact twin on {012}
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0017869 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017868 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017867 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017866 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017865 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017864 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017863 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017862 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017861 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017860 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017859 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017858 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017857 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017856 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017855 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017854 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017853 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017852 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017851 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017850 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017849 | Calcite | Antao S M, Hassan I (2010) Temperature dependence of the structural parameters in the transformation of aragonite to calcite, as determined from in situ synchrotron powder X-ray-diffraction data The Canadian Mineralogist 48 1225-1236 | 2010 | Cuenca, Spain | 0 | 293 | |
| 0018896 | Calcite | Sitepu H (2009) Texture and structural refinement using neutron diffraction data from molybdite (MoO3) and calcite (CaCO3) powders and a Ni-rich Ni50.7Ti49.30 alloy Powder Diffraction 24 315-326 | 2009 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0018895 | Calcite | Sitepu H (2009) Texture and structural refinement using neutron diffraction data from molybdite (MoO3) and calcite (CaCO3) powders and a Ni-rich Ni50.7Ti49.30 alloy Powder Diffraction 24 315-326 | 2009 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0012868 | Calcite | Sitepu H, O'Connor B H, Li D (2005) Comparative evaluation of the March and generalized spherical harmonic preferred orientation models using X-ray diffraction data for molybdite and calcite powders Journal of Applied Crystallography 38 158-167 | 2005 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0012867 | Calcite | Sitepu H, O'Connor B H, Li D (2005) Comparative evaluation of the March and generalized spherical harmonic preferred orientation models using X-ray diffraction data for molybdite and calcite powders Journal of Applied Crystallography 38 158-167 | 2005 | synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0020835 | Calcite | Effenberger H, Mereiter K, Zemann J (1981) Crystal structure refinements of magnesite, calcite, rhodochrosite, siderite, smithsonite, and dolomite, with discussion of some aspects of the stereochemistry of calcite type carbonates Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 156 233-243 |  | 1981 | Iceland | 0 | 293 |
| 0008879 | Calcite | Prencipe M, Pascale F, Zicovich-Wilson C M, Saunders V R, Orlando R, Dovesi R (2004) The vibrational spectrum of calcite (CaCO3): an ab initio quantum-mechanical calculation Physics and Chemistry of Minerals 31 559-564 | 2004 | 0 | 293 | ||
| 0009890 | Calcite | Maslen E N, Streltsov V A, Streltsova N R, Ishizawa N (1995) Electron density and optical anisotropy in rhombohedral carbonates. III. Synchrotron X-ray studies of CaCO3, MgCO3 and MnCO3 Acta Crystallographica B51 929-939 |  | 1995 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0009873 | Calcite | Maslen E N, Streltsov V A, Streltsova N R (1993) X-ray study of the electron density in calcite, CaCO3 Acta Crystallographica B49 636-641 | | 1993 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0001328 | Calcite | Paquette J, Reeder R J (1990) Single-crystal X-ray structure refinements of two biogenic magnesian calcite crystals sample LB American Mineralogist 75 1151-1158 | | 1990 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0001327 | Calcite | Paquette J, Reeder R J (1990) Single-crystal X-ray structure refinements of two biogenic magnesian calcite crystals sample LS American Mineralogist 75 1151-1158 | | 1990 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000989 | Calcite | Markgraf S A, Reeder R J (1985) High-temperature structure refinements of calcite and magnesite American Mineralogist 70 590-600 | | 1985 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000988 | Calcite | Markgraf S A, Reeder R J (1985) High-temperature structure refinements of calcite and magnesite American Mineralogist 70 590-600 | | 1985 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000987 | Calcite | Markgraf S A, Reeder R J (1985) High-temperature structure refinements of calcite and magnesite American Mineralogist 70 590-600 | | 1985 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000986 | Calcite | Markgraf S A, Reeder R J (1985) High-temperature structure refinements of calcite and magnesite American Mineralogist 70 590-600 | | 1985 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000985 | Calcite | Markgraf S A, Reeder R J (1985) High-temperature structure refinements of calcite and magnesite American Mineralogist 70 590-600 | | 1985 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000984 | Calcite | Markgraf S A, Reeder R J (1985) High-temperature structure refinements of calcite and magnesite American Mineralogist 70 590-600 | | 1985 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000585 | Calcite | Althoff P L (1977) Structural refinements of dolomite and a magnesian calcite and implications for dolomite formation in the marine environment Mg-calcite American Mineralogist 62 772-783 | | 1977 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0000098 | Calcite | Graf D L (1961) Crystallographic tables for the rhombohedral carbonates American Mineralogist 46 1283-1316 | | 1961 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0017650 | Calcite | Elliott N (1937) A Redetermination of the Carbon - Oxygen Distance in Calcite and the Nitrogen - Oxygen Distance in Sodium Nitrate _cod_database_code 1010928 Journal of the American Chemical Society 59 1380-1382 | 1937 | 0 | 293 | ||
| 0017889 | Calcite | Wyckoff R (1920) The Crystal Structures of some Carbonates of the Calcite Group _cod_database_code 1010962 American Journal of Science 50 317-360 | 1920 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
Epitaxial Relationships of Calcite
Epitaxial Minerals:
| 'Dolomite' | CaMg(CO3)2 |
| 'Quartz' | SiO2 |
Epitaxy Comments:
Often noted overgrowing crystals of other members of the calcite group and of dolomite with the crystal axes oriented in parallel position. Calcite is similarly noted overgrown by these species. Noted in oriented position on quartz, with calcite {0112} parallel to quartz {1011}
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.86 Å | (12) |
| 3.035 Å | (100) |
| 2.845 Å | (3) |
| 2.495 Å | (14) |
| 2.285 Å | (18) |
| 2.095 Å | (18) |
| 1.927 Å | (5) |
| 1.913 Å | (17) |
| 1.875 Å | (17) |
| 1.604 Å | (10) |
Comments:
ICDD 5-586 (synthetic), ICDD 24-27, ICDD 2-714 (manganoan)
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Geological Setting:
Found in most geologic settings and as a later forming replacement mineral in most other environments in one form or another, it is most common as massive material in limestones and marbles. It forms as chemical sedimentary deposits as limestone, can be regionally or contact metamorphosed into marbles and rarely forms igneous rocks (carbonatites). Also is a common gangue mineral in hydrothermal deposits.
Synonyms of Calcite
Other Language Names for Calcite
Anglo-Saxon:Calcite
Basque:Kaltzita
Belarusian:Кальцый
Bosnian:Kalcit
Bulgarian:Калцит
Croatian:Kalcit
Czech:Kalcit
Danish:Kalk
Dutch:Calciet
Esperanto:Kalcito
Estonian:Kaltsiit
Farsi/Persian:کلسیت
Finnish:Kalsiitti
French:Chaux carbonatée (in part)
Spath Calcaire
Spath Calcaire
Greek:Χάλζ
Hebrew:קלציט
Hungarian:Kalcit
Japanese:方解石
Latvian:Kalcīts
Lithuanian:Kalcitas
Norwegian:Kalk
Polish:Kalcyt
Portuguese:Calcite
Romanian:Calcit
Russian:Кальцит
Serbian:Калцит
Simplified Chinese:方解石
Slovak:Kalcit
Spanish:Caliza
Espato caliza
Espato caliza
Swedish:Kalkspat
Bladspat
Spatig Kalksten
Bladspat
Spatig Kalksten
Tamil:கால்சைட்
Turkish:Kalsit
Ukrainian:Кальцит
Vietnamese:Canxit
Varieties of Calcite
| Angels Wing Calcite | A variety of calcite determined by the crystal shape and color, i.e., large, very thin, tabular white crystals, purportedly resembling angels' wings. The crystals are usually thicker at the base and colourless within the interior of the thicker areas. Com... |
| Aphrite | A foliated or scaly white pearly variety of calcite. Synonym of: earth foam, foam spar Ref: Standard, 2, Fay |
| Argentine | A lamellar variety of calcite with a silvery lustre. |
| Baricalcite | Name for a barian variety of Calcite. |
| Barleycorn | A variety of calcite consisting of pseudomorphs, possibly of gaylussite. |
| Bruyerite | A black concretionary calcite. |
| Calcite Satin Spar | The original name Satin Spar referred to a variety of Calcite. Currently 'Satin Spar' is often used to refer to a variety of Gypsum (See Satin Spar Gypsum, so to avoid confusion the original Calcite variety material is listed on this website as Satin Spar... |
| Capreite | |
| Cave Calcite | |
| Cave Onyx | A variety of banded calcite of karst (stalagmitic) origin showing patterns similar to onyx. Often cut and used as a decorative stone. Note: the name 'onyx' is used frequently for materials made from this material. This is incorrect and confusing and sho... |
| Cobalt-bearing Calcite | A more or less pink variety of calcite containing Co2+ replacing Ca. Dark pink varieties are easily confused with spherocobaltite (CoCO3), the cobalt end member of the calcite group. Crusts and globular aggregates may be confused with cobalt-bearing arag... |
| Crazy Calcite | A locally applied name in the Franklin, NJ, area for massive calcite that fluoresces two shades and intensities of red under SW UV. The disparity in fluorescence is due to isolated blebs of calcite and a more dolomitic material, both bearing manganese, bu... |
| Dog-tooth Spar | A variety of calcite consisting of scalenohedral crystals resembling a dog's canine teeth. |
| Dolomitic Calcite | A variety of calcite containing small amounts of Mg in substitution for Ca (see also Mg-rich calcite). Maximum solubility of Mg in calcite appears to be small. The so-called magnesian limestones and magnesian marbles are mechanical mixtures of calcite and... |
| Fetid Calcite | A variety of calcite (limestone, marble) that emits an offensive odor when dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid. The odor is due to trace sulfides and other impurities. See also stinkstone, anthraconite, bituminous limestone. |
| Fibrous calcite | Translucent calcite composed of fibrous crystals, which, like fibrous gypsum, with which it is often confused, causes a silky sheen. When cut cabochon, it produces a girasol or chatoyant effect, but not a true cat's-eye. Also like fibrous gypsum, it is ca... |
| Gennoishi | Japanese name for pseudomorphs of calcite after ikaite. |
| Glendonite | Name for a calcite pseudomorph after ikaite. Originally reported from Glendon, NSW, Australia. |
| Hematoconite | A blood-red calcite coloured by inclusions of hematite. |
| Hislopite | |
| Honey calcite | Honey-coloured variety of calcite. Often coarsely crystalline and widespread in limestone areas. However, well-formed crystals can also be honey-coloured. |
| Iceland Spar | An optically clear form of calcite, originally from Iceland, but may occur anywhere. Originally reported from Helgustadir Mine, Eskifjord, Iceland. |
| Iron-bearing Calcite | |
| Kanonenspat | Morphological variety showing a short prismatic habit with the hexagonal prism and either the basal pinacoid or flat rhombohedral faces. Literally "cannon spar". |
| Kolloid-calcite | A collodial variety of calcite. |
| Lead-bearing Calcite | A lead-bearing variety of calcite. Species from Polish Cu-bearing Zechstein deposits contains up to 4.60 wt.% PbO (Piestrzyński et al., 1996). Compare also lead-bearing aragonite. |
| Lublinite | An efflorescent form of calcite - soft, with a finely fibrous consistency, and usually moist. Mostly found in caves, and is probably related to the varied material known as moonmilk which can include various other minerals. Also known by the German term... |
| Lvwen Stone | “Lvwen stone” is a yellow-green “carbonate jade” (also known as “Afghanistan Jade”, although in mindat Afganistan Jade is a serpentinite) found in China, with a cat’s-eye effect. The green matrix was determined to be microcrystalline, compo... |
| Manganese-bearing Calcite | A calcite rich in manganese. Compare also kutnohorite (with ordered Ca/Mn and a Ca:Mn ratio of ideally 1:1). Originally reported from Banská Štiavnica (Selmecbánya; Schemnitz), Banská Štiavnica Mining District, Štiavnica Mts, Banská Bystrica Regio... |
| Mexican Jade | An artificially dyed green calcite. |
| Mg-rich Calcite | A magnesium-rich variety of calcite. Not to be confused with "Magnesio-Calcite" ( = Dolomite). "The calcite in limestone often contains a few percent of magnesium. Calcite in limestone is divided into low-magnesium and high-magnesium calcite, with the div... |
| Nailhead Spar | A variety of calcite determined by a flat pyramidal termination of the prismatic crystals, resembling a nailhead. |
| Nickel-bearing Calcite | |
| Papierspat | Calcite as extremely thin tabular crystals, hence the name Papierspat, German for "paper spar". |
| Patagosite | |
| Poker Chip Calcite | A variety of calcite determined by the crystal shape, i.e., flat rhomboids resembling a poker chip. The individual crystals are often "stacked" upon each other, somewhat resembling a stack of poker chips as well. Common habit for calcite from Charcas, Mex... |
| Prasochrome | A variety of Calcite rich in chromium oxide, found as an alteration product coating Chromite. |
| Prunnerite | A violet calcite resembling chalcedony |
| Pseudogaylussite | Calcite pseudomorphs after gaylussite. |
| Roepperite (of Kenngott) | |
| Sand-Calcite | A variety of calcite with the crystals grown with sand inclusions. |
| Slate Spar | A lamellar variety of calcite. |
| Stinkkalk | A variety of calcite distinguished by a foul odor emitted upon fracturing by inclusions of H2S. |
| Strontium-rich Calcite | A Sr-rich variety of calcite. |
| Tartuffite | A fibrous variety of calcite which, when struck, emits an odour like that of truffles. |
| Usolite | A casual name given to a small number of calcite crystals showing second generations rhombs growing up the edges and terminating a first generation scalenohedron. |
| Zinc-bearing Calcite | A zinc-bearing variety of calcite. |
Relationship of Calcite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Calcite Group:
| Gaspéite | NiCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Magnesite | MgCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Otavite | CdCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Rhodochrosite | MnCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Siderite | FeCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Smithsonite | ZnCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
| Spherocobaltite | CoCO3 | Trig. 3m(32/m) : R3c |
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 14,261 photos of Calcite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 9,792 photos of Calcite associated with Fluorite | CaF2 |
| 8,111 photos of Calcite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 5,236 photos of Calcite associated with Sphalerite | ZnS |
| 4,714 photos of Calcite associated with Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
| 4,239 photos of Calcite associated with Chalcopyrite | CuFeS2 |
| 3,571 photos of Calcite associated with Baryte | BaSO4 |
| 3,203 photos of Calcite associated with Galena | PbS |
| 2,862 photos of Calcite associated with Hematite | Fe2O3 |
| 2,500 photos of Calcite associated with Siderite | FeCO3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.AB.05 | Siderite | FeCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Rhodochrosite | MnCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Smithsonite | ZnCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Gaspéite | NiCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Spherocobaltite | CoCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Magnesite | MgCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 | Otavite | CdCO3 |
| 5.AB.05 va | 'Parakutnohorite' | |
| 5.AB.10 | Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.10 | Minrecordite | CaZn(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.10 | Škáchaite | CaCo(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.10 | Ankerite | Ca(Fe2+,Mg)(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.10 | Kutnohorite | CaMn2+(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.15 | Aragonite | CaCO3 |
| 5.AB.15 | Cerussite | PbCO3 |
| 5.AB.15 | Witherite | BaCO3 |
| 5.AB.15 | Strontianite | SrCO3 |
| 5.AB.20 | Vaterite | CaCO3 |
| 5.AB.25 | Huntite | CaMg3(CO3)4 |
| 5.AB.30 | Norsethite | BaMg(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.35 | Alstonite | BaCa(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.40 | Paralstonite | BaCa(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.40 | Olekminskite | Sr(Sr,Ca,Ba)(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.45 | Barytocalcite | BaCa(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.50 | Carbocernaite | (Ca,Na)(Sr,Ce,Ba)(CO3)2 |
| 5.AB.55 | Benstonite | Ba6Ca6Mg(CO3)13 |
| 5.AB.60 | Juangodoyite | Na2Cu(CO3)2 |
Fluorescence of Calcite
May be fluorescent under LW UV, mid-range UV or SW UV as well as under X-rays, cathode rays and even sunlight, in a number of colors and shades, commonly an intense red under SW with Mn as an activator (such as at Franklin, New Jersey, USA, and Långban in Sweden.
The yellow series exhibits blue–white fluorescence, together with a short-lived green phosphorescent afterglow after removal of the excitation source, whereas the pink series shows stable orange–red fluorescence with much weaker afterglow behavior.
A broad 480 nm blue-violet fluorescence band is observed in the four blue samples under 405 nm excitation.
The yellow series exhibits blue–white fluorescence, together with a short-lived green phosphorescent afterglow after removal of the excitation source, whereas the pink series shows stable orange–red fluorescence with much weaker afterglow behavior.
A broad 480 nm blue-violet fluorescence band is observed in the four blue samples under 405 nm excitation.
Other Information
Notes:
Profuse generation of carbon dioxide gas when in contact with acids.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Industrial Uses:
Mined extensively for a wide variety of uses ranging from lime (cement) to limestone and marble building stones and aggregates, agricultural supplements and optical calcite.
Calcite in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
- Igneous rock
- Sedimentary rock and sediment
- Sediment
- Sedimentary rock
- Clastic sedimentary rock
- Biochemical and chemical sedimentary rock
- Carbonate rock
- Limestone
- Ashford Black Marble
- Siliceous limestone
- Lime-mudstone
- Lime-wackestone
- Lime-packstone
- Lime-grainstone
- Lime-boundstone
- Lime-framestone
- Lime-pseudosparstone
- Lime-sparstone
- Lime-microsparstone
- Lime-microstone
- Ooid-limestone
- Pisoid-limestone
- Oncoid-limestone
- Microoncoid-limestone
- Peloid-limestone
- Shell-limestone
- Crinoid-limestone
- Tufa
- Chalk
- Mud-grade limestone
- Gravel-grade limestone
- Kerogenic limestone
- Dolostone
- Magnesite-stone
- Pseudosparstone
- Sparstone
- Microsparstone
- Microstone
- Limestone
- Ironstone
- Carbonate rock
- Metamorphic rock
Internet Links for Calcite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-859.html
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References for Calcite
Reference List:
Penfield, S. L.; Ford, W. E. (1900) Einige interessante Ausbildungsweisen von Calcitkrystallen. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, 33 (1-6). 513-522 doi:10.1524/zkri.1900.33.1.513
Krieger, Philip (1930) Notes on an X-ray diffraction study of the series calcite-rhodochrosite. American Mineralogist, 15 (1) 23-29
Schulman, James H., Evans, Lyle W., Ginther, Robert J., Murata, K. J. (1947) The Sensitized Luminescence of Manganese‐Activated Calcite. Journal of Applied Physics, 18 (8). 732-739 doi:10.1063/1.1697831
Rosenholtz, Joseph L., Smith, Dudley T. (1949) Linear thermal expansion of calcite, var. Iceland spar, and Yule marble. American Mineralogist, 34 (11-12) 846-854
Chave, Keith E. (1952) A Solid Solution between Calcite and Dolomite. The Journal of Geology, 60 (2) 190-192 doi:10.1086/625949
Goldsmith, Julian R., Heard, Hugh C. (1961) Subsolidus Phase Relations in the System CaCO3-MgCO3. The Journal of Geology, 69 (1) 45-74 doi:10.1086/626715
Goldsmith, Julian R., Graf, Donald L., Witters, Juanita, Northrop, David A. (1962) Studies in the System CaCO3-MgCO3-FeCO3: 1. Phase Relations; 2. A Method for Major-Element Spectrochemical Analysis; 3. Compositions of Some Ferroan Dolomites. The Journal of Geology, 70 (6) 659-688 doi:10.1086/626865
van der Veen, Adriaan H. (1965) Calcite-dolomite intergrowths in high-temperature carbonate rocks. American Mineralogist, 50 (11-12). 2070-2077
Goldsmith, J. R.; Newton, R. C. (1969) P-T-X Relations in the System CaCO3-MgCO3 at High Temperatures and Pressures. American Journal of Science, 267-A. p.160-190. doi:10.2475/001c.125217
Katz, A, Sass, E, Starinsky, A, Holland, H.D (1972) Strontium behavior in the aragonite-calcite transformation: An experimental study at 40–98°C. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 36 (4) 481-496 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(72)90037-3
Singh, A. K., Kennedy, George C. (1974) Compression of calcite to 40 KB. Journal of Geophysical Research, 79 (17) 2615-2622 doi:10.1029/jb079i017p02615
Irving, Anthony J., Wyllie, Peter J. (1975) Subsolidus and melting relationships for calcite, magnesite and the join CaCO3-MgCO3 to 36 kb. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 39 (1). 35-53 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(75)90183-0
Merrill, L., Bassett, W. A. (1975) The crystal structure of CaCO3(II), a high-pressure metastable phase of calcium carbonate. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry, 31 (2) 343-349 doi:10.1107/s0567740875002774
Effenberger, H.; Mereiter, Κ.; Zemann, J. (1981) Crystal structure refinements of magnesite, calcite, rhodochrosite, siderite, smithonite [sic], and dolomite, with discussion of some aspects of the stereochemistry of calcite type carbonates. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, 156 (1-4). p.233-244. doi:10.1524/zkri.1981.156.14.233
Plummer, L.Niel, Busenberg, Eurybiades (1982) The solubilities of calcite, aragonite and vaterite in CO2-H2O solutions between 0 and 90°C, and an evaluation of the aqueous model for the system CaCO3-CO2-H2O. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 46 (6) 1011-1040 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(82)90056-4
Markgraf, S. A., Reeder, R. J. (1985) High-temperature structure refinements of calcite and magnesite. American Mineralogist, 70 (5-6) 590-600
Maslen, E. N., Streltsov, V. A., Streltsova, N. R. (1993) X-ray study of the electron density in calcite, CaCo3. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, 49 (4) 636-641 doi:10.1107/s0108768193002575
El Ali, Ahmad; Barbin, Vincent; Calas, Georges; Cervelle, Bernard; Ramseyer, Karl; Bouroulec, Jacqueline (1993) Mn2+-activated luminescence in dolomite, calcite and magnesite: quantitative determination of manganese and site distribution by EPR and CL spectroscopy. Chemical Geology, 104 (1-4). 189-202 doi:10.1016/0009-2541(93)90150-h
Böttcher, Michael E.; Gehlken, Peer-Lennart; Usdowski, Eberhard; Reppke, Volker (1993) An Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Natural and Synthetic Carbonates from the Quaternary System CaCO3-MgCO3-FeCO3-MnCO3. Zeitschrift der Deutschen Geologischen Gesellschaft, 144 (2). 478-484 doi:10.1127/zdgg/144/1993/478
Smyth, Joseph R., Ahrens, Thomas J. (1997) The crystal structure of calcite III. Geophysical Research Letters, 24 (13) 1595-1598 doi:10.1029/97gl01603
Richards, R. Peter (1999) The Four Twin Laws of Calcite and How To Recognize Them. Rocks & Minerals, 74 (5) 308-317 doi:10.1080/00357529909602559
Davis, K. J. (2000) The Role of Mg2+ as an Impurity in Calcite Growth. Science, 290 (5494). 1134-1137 doi:10.1126/science.290.5494.1134
De Visscher, Alex; Vanderdeelen, Jan (2003) Estimation of the Solubility Constant of Calcite, Aragonite, and Vaterite at 25°C Based on Primary Data Using the Pitzer Ion Interaction Approach. Monatshefte für Chemie / Chemical Monthly, 134 (5). 769-775 doi:10.1007/s00706-002-0587-3
Feng, Jian; Lee, Young J.; Reeder, Richard J.; Phillips, Brian L. (2006) Observation of bicarbonate in calcite by NMR spectroscopy. American Mineralogist, 91 (5-6). p.957-960. doi:10.2138/am.2006.2206
SUNAGAWA, Ichiro, TAKAHASHI, Yasushi, IMAI, Hiroyuki (2007) Strontium and aragonite-calcite precipitation. Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences, 102 (3) 174-181 doi:10.2465/jmps.060327a
Sitepu, Husin (2009) Texture and structural refinement using neutron diffraction data from molybdite (MoO3) and calcite (CaCO3) powders and a Ni-rich Ni50.7Ti49.30 alloy. Powder Diffraction, 24 (4). 315-326 doi:10.1154/1.3257906
Bruno, Marco; Massaro, Francesco Roberto; Rubbo, Marco; Prencipe, Mauro; Aquilano, Dino (2010) (10.4), (01.8), (01.2), and (00.1) Twin Laws of Calcite (CaCO3): Equilibrium Geometry of the Twin Boundary Interfaces and Twinning Energy. Crystal Growth & Design, 10 (7). 3102-3109 doi:10.1021/cg100233p
Bots, Pieter, Benning, Liane G., Rodriguez-Blanco, Juan-Diego, Roncal-Herrero, Teresa, Shaw, Samuel (2012) Mechanistic Insights into the Crystallization of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (ACC). Crystal Growth & Design, 12 (7). 3806-3814 doi:10.1021/cg300676b
Koga, Nobuyoshi; Kasahara, Daisuke; Kimura, Tomoyasu (2013) Aragonite Crystal Growth and Solid-State Aragonite–Calcite Transformation: A Physico–Geometrical Relationship via Thermal Dehydration of Included Water. Crystal Growth & Design, 13 (5). 2238-2246 doi:10.1021/cg400350w
Koga, Nobuyoshi; Nishikawa, Kazuyuki (2014) Mutual Relationship between Solid-State Aragonite–Calcite Transformation and Thermal Dehydration of Included Water in Coral Aragonite. Crystal Growth & Design, 14 (2). 879-887 doi:10.1021/cg4018689
Skalwold, E.A., Bassett, W.A. (2015) Double trouble: navigating birefringence, Mineralogical Society of America.
Bindschedler, Saskia, Cailleau, Guillaume, Verrecchia, Eric (2016) Role of Fungi in the Biomineralization of Calcite. Minerals, 6 (2). 41 doi:10.3390/min6020041
Sugiura, Yuki, Onuma, Kazuo, Yamazaki, Atsushi (2016) Growth dynamics of vaterite in relation to the physico-chemical properties of its precursor, amorphous calcium carbonate, in the Ca-CO3-PO4 system. American Mineralogist, 101 (2). 289-296 doi:10.2138/am-2016-5184
dos Santos, Hélisson, Neumann, Reiner, Ávila, Ciro Alexandre (2017) Mineral Quantification with Simultaneous Refinement of Ca-Mg Carbonates Non-Stoichiometry by X-ray Diffraction, Rietveld Method. Minerals, 7 (9) 164 doi:10.3390/min7090164
Wang, Meili, Shi, Guanghai, Qin, Jiaqian, Bai, Qing (2018) Thermal behaviour of calcite-structure carbonates: a powder X-ray diffraction study between 83 and 618 K. European Journal of Mineralogy, 30 (5) 939-949 doi:10.1127/ejm/2018/0030-2768
Hodkin, David J.; Stewart, Douglas I.; Graham, James T.; Cibin, Giannantonio; Burke, Ian T. (2018) Enhanced Crystallographic Incorporation of Strontium(II) Ions into Calcite via Preferential Adsorption at Obtuse Growth Steps. Crystal Growth & Design, 18 (5). p.2836-2843. doi:10.1021/acs.cgd.7b01614
Németh, Péter (2021) Diffraction Features from (10-14) Calcite Twins Mimicking Crystallographic Ordering. Minerals, 11 (7). 720 doi:10.3390/min11070720
Romppanen, Sari, Häkkänen, Heikki, Kaski, Saara (2021) Laser-induced time-resolved luminescence in analysis of rare earth elements in apatite and calcite. Journal of Luminescence, 233. 117929 doi:10.1016/j.jlumin.2021.117929
Banaru, D. A.; Banaru, A. M.; Aksenov, S. M. M. (2022) Structural complexity of polymorphs of calcium carbonate and its crystalline hydrates. Journal of Structural Chemistry, 63 (8). 1291-1303 doi:10.1134/s0022476622080108
Zhang, Xinyu, Dai, Lidong, Hu, Haiying, Li, Chuang (2023) Pressure-Induced Reverse Structural Transition of Calcite at Temperatures up to 873 K and Pressures up to 19.7 GPa. Minerals, 13 (2) 188 doi:10.3390/min13020188
Keykha, Hamed Abdeh; Zangani, Alireza; Romiani, Hadi Mohamadzadeh; Asadi, Afshin; Kawasaki, Satoru; Radmanesh, Niloofar (2023) Characterizing Microbial and CO2-Induced Carbonate Minerals: Implications for Soil Stabilization in Sandy Environments. Minerals, 13 (7). 976 doi:10.3390/min13070976
Aquilano, Dino, Bruno, Marco, Ghignone, Stefano, Pastero, Linda (2023) Twinning and homoepitaxy cooperation in the already rich growth morphology of CaCO3 polymorphs. I. Aragonite. Journal of Applied Crystallography, 56 (6) 1630-1638 doi:10.1107/s1600576723008208
Keykha, Hamed Abdeh; Zangani, Alireza; Romiani, Hadi Mohamadzadeh; Asadi, Afshin; Kawasaki, Satoru; Radmanesh, Niloofar (2023) Characterizing Microbial and CO2-Induced Carbonate Minerals: Implications for Soil Stabilization in Sandy Environments. Minerals, 13 (7). 976 doi:10.3390/min13070976
Alves, Julliana F., Edwards, Howell G. M., Korsakov, Andrey, Oliveira, Luiz Fernando C. (2023) Revisiting the Raman Spectra of Carbonate Minerals. Minerals, 13 (11) 1358 doi:10.3390/min13111358
Ye, Peilin, Xiao, Feirong, Wei, Shiping (2023) Biomineralization and Characterization of Calcite and Vaterite Induced by the Fungus Cladosporium sp. YPLJS-14. Minerals, 13 (10) 1344 doi:10.3390/min13101344
Vereshchagin, Oleg S., Chernyshova, Irina A., Kuz’mina, Maria A., Frank-Kamenetskaya, Olga V. (2023) Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Behavior in the System Ca-Me2+-CO3-H2O (Me2+ = Co, Ni, Cu, Fe): Ion Incorporation, Effect of Temperature and Aging. Minerals, 13 (12) doi:10.3390/min13121497
Zhang, Shanrong; Liang, Wen; Wu, Mengzeng; Zhong, Qifa; Fan, Dawei (2024) Crystal structure of calcite-type Ca1–xMnxCO3 solid solution by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 51 (2). 10 doi:10.1007/s00269-024-01269-6
Rezaei, Mustafa, Gabitov, Rinat, Sadekov, Aleksey, Perez-Huerta, Alberto, Borrelli, Chiara, Stiles, Andrea (2024) Elemental Uptake by Different Calcite Crystal Faces: An In Situ Study. Crystals, 14 (5) doi:10.3390/cryst14050442
Aquilano, Dino; Ghignone, Stefano; Bruno, Marco (2024) Twinning and homo-epitaxy cooperation in the already rich growth morphology of CaCO3 polymorphs. II. Calcite. Journal of Applied Crystallography, 57 (5). 1484-1488 doi:10.1107/s1600576724008057
Griesshaber, Erika, Sancho Vaquer, Anna, Checa, Antonio G., Salas, Carmen, Harper, Elizabeth M., Schmahl, Wolfgang W. (2025) The Textural Motif of Foliated Calcite in Ostreoidea (Mollusca). Crystals, 15 (3). doi:10.3390/cryst15030244
Lu, Cheng-Gong, Jiao, Chu-Jie, Zhang, Xiu-Cheng, Zheng, Jian-Sheng, Chen, Xue-Fei (2025) Advancements in the Research on the Preparation and Growth Mechanisms of Various Polymorphs of Calcium Carbonate: A Comprehensive Review. Crystals, 15 (3). doi:10.3390/cryst15030265
Significant localities for Calcite
Showing 125 significant localities out of 38,052 recorded on mindat.org.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Argentina | |
| Raúl Tauber Larry´s collection. +1 other reference |
Australia | |
| [var: Manganese-bearing Calcite] Worner et al. (1982) |
Austria | |
| Meixner (1949) +1 other reference |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) | |
Belgium | |
| Mikael Gonzales collection |
| Hubert (2001) +2 other references |
| Croisez (2012) |
| Neutkens et al. (2007) |
| Van Goethem et al. (1983) +2 other references |
Brazil | |
| Wilson et al. (2004) |
Bulgaria | |
| Bonev et al. (2006) |
| Betts (n.d.) |
Canada | |
| Gait et al. (1990) |
| |
| Age of the Cabonga nepheline syenite +4 other references |
China | |
| Xianxiao Xiong (1999) |
| [var: Manganese-bearing Calcite] Ottens et al. (2012) |
Denmark | |
| [var: Calcite Satin Spar] Jakob Aandstad collection |
| [var: Glendonite] Schultz et al. (2022) |
| [var: Glendonite] Madsen (2002) |
DR Congo | |
| [var: Cobalt-bearing Calcite] |
| [var: Cobalt-bearing Calcite] www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com +1 other reference | |
France | |
| Yves Masson collection +1 other reference |
| Personnaly collected by M. Diot |
| Gruner L. E. (1857) |
| suspected +2 other references |
| Michel Treillard (visual identification) |
| Inventaire mineralogique de l'Ariege ( Edition BRGM 1984) +1 other reference |
| Belot (1978) |
| Favreau G. et al. (2004) |
| Self collected S. MAURY 2013 +1 other reference |
Germany | |
| bert.deruiter@gmail.com |
| Markus Gerstmann - Collection +1 other reference |
Iceland | |
| [var: Iceland Spar] |
| [var: Iceland Spar] Kristjansson (2002) |
Ireland | |
| O’Reilly et al. (1997) |
| Dr Stephen Moreton +1 other reference |
| S. Moreton |
| Flannery (n.d.) |
Italy | |
| Ref.: Battilocchi G. (2005) |
| [Fetid Calcite var: Tartuffite] Catullo (1812) |
Kazakhstan | |
| Evseev (1995) +2 other references |
Latvia | |
| Dmitry Vorobjov's collection +1 other reference |
Mexico | |
| Mielke (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Schneider (2004) |
| Kazmierczak et al. (2011) |
Moldova | |
| Yale Peabody Museum collection |
Norway | |
| Aminoff (1916) |
| Goldschmidt (1911) |
| Møller (1861) +2 other references |
| Nordrum (1993) +1 other reference |
Peru | |
| [var: Manganese-bearing Calcite] Hyrsl et al. (2003) +1 other reference |
| Imai et al. (1985) +1 other reference |
Portugal | |
| Rui Nunes September 2010 |
| Rui Nunes' calcite collection from ... |
| Rui Nunes and Martins da Pedra ... |
| Tiago Guia collection | |
Russia | |
| [var: Iceland Spar] collection V.V. Levitsky |
| [var: Iceland Spar] Galiulin et al. (1996) | |
| Dobovol'skaya et al. (1990) +3 other references |
Slovakia | |
| Bálintová |
South Africa | |
| PMPB Meulenbeld collection Photo ID: ... |
Spain | |
| Calvo et al. (2006) +1 other reference |
| Calvo Rebollar (2012) |
| Calvo Rebollar (2012) |
| Calvo Rebollar (2012) |
| Calvo et al. (2006) |
| [var: Cobalt-bearing Calcite] Calvo Rebollar (2012) |
| Calvo (1996) |
Sweden | |
| Torbjörn Lorin collection |
Switzerland | |
| Ansermet (2004) +1 other reference |
UK | |
| Bancroft (1973) |
| Trevor Boyd Collection |
USA | |
| Maneotis: 2009 |
| Mathew Maneotis data. +1 other reference | |
| [var: Manganese-bearing Calcite] Muntyan (1995) |
| Jim Hall 2009 |
| Januzzi (1959) +1 other reference |
| J. Zolan Collection +2 other references |
| Wolfe et al. (1960) +2 other references |
| Bartsch (1940) |
| Moritz (n.d.) |
| Moritz (n.d.) |
| Moritz (n.d.) |
| Rocks & Minerals: 34: 3. +4 other references |
| Cristofono (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Moritz (n.d.) |
| Powell (1987) |
| Bill Barrett collection |
| Ague (1995) |
| |
| Moore (2005) |
| Rocks & Min.:64:195. |
| Rocks & Min.: 64:203. |
| T. Kennedy collection |
| Visual identification by Mike Polletta |
| Barite Deposits of Kentucky |
| |
| Harvard Museum of Natural History |
| Heinrich et al. (2004) |
| - (2005) |
| Publications of the Field Columbian ... |
| Conroy (2023) | |
| Afifi et al. (1988) +4 other references |
| Afifi et al. (1988) +3 other references |
| Econ Geol (1992) +1 other reference | |
| Barrick Gold Corporation |
| Gary Moldovany +1 other reference |
| Specimens in numerous collections ... |
| Jensen (1942) |
| Robinson et al. (2007) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Collection of Jeff Wilson (Field Trips, The North Jersey Mineralogical Society) |
| Lapham et al. (1965) | |
| Berkheiser (1983) |
| Lapham et al. (1965) | |
| Lapham et al. (1965) | |
| Carr et al. (1981) +2 other references |
| Roberts et al. (1965) |
| Kyle (1976) +1 other reference |
| Rocks & Min.: 59:68 & 64:14. +2 other references |
| C. Tucker collection |
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Elmwood Mine, Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee, USA