Calcite

Calcite is the principal mineral of the rock group known as carbonates. Calcite is a major component in limestone and dolomite.

Type

Mineral

Mineral Classification

Carbonate

Chemical Formula

CaCO3

Streak

White

Mohs Hardness

3

Crystal System

Hexagonal

Color

Colorless or white, but may take on other colors due to impurities

Luster

Vitreous and also pearly along cleavage surfaces

Fracture

Conchoidal

Description

Calcite is the principal mineral of the rock group known as carbonates. Calcite is a major component in limestone and dolomite.

Uses

Calcite is the mineral component of limestone which is used primarily as construction aggregates, and in production of lime and cement. Limestone also is used in a variety of commercial applications including: road construction, riprap and jetty stone, filter stone, railroad ballast, poultry grit, mineral food, sugar processing, flux stone in steel production, glass manufacture, sulfur dioxide removal in power plants, coal mine dusting to prevent explosions, acid water treatment, asphalt fillers and refractory stone.