Calcite is a common calcium carbonate mineral with the chemical formula CaCO₃. It is the main component of limestone and marble and has the following characteristics:

1. Physical properties

Color: usually colorless or white, but can also be gray, yellow, green, blue and other shades.

Luster: glassy luster.

Hardness: Mohs hardness is 3.

Cleavage: has complete rhombohedral cleavage.

Transparency: transparent to translucent.

2. Chemical properties

Composition: calcium carbonate, soluble in acid and produces bubbles.

Reaction: reacts violently with dilute hydrochloric acid, releasing carbon dioxide.

3. Formation and occurrence

Formation environment: commonly found in sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal veins.

Associated minerals: often coexist with dolomite, quartz, fluorite, etc.

4. Uses

Industry: used to make cement, lime, filler, etc.

Architecture: as decorative stone.

Others: also used in the optical and jewelry industries.

5. Variations

Iceland spar: colorless and transparent calcite with strong birefringence.

Others: including marble, travertine, etc.

6. Identification characteristics

Hardness test: can be scratched with a knife.

Acid test: will bubble when exposed to dilute hydrochloric acid.

In summary, calcite is an important calcium carbonate mineral, widely used in industry and construction.

Article Title: What is Calcite?
Author:Xingaonai
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