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.
