Calcite (calcium carbonate) is a very common and well-known stone. Translated from Greek, "calcite" means "lime". Onyx, limestone, stone rose, marble are just some of the names for calcite. The second name is Icelandic spar.
It has been known since ancient times. It is hard to imagine, but the Egyptian pyramids and columns of the Parthenon are made up of calcite. It is among the leaders in production and use.
History and origin
Lime spar is most common in nature, in the form of a rock-forming mineral. This essential component is part of the composition of rocks. Calcite, as a biomineral, is the main component of the shells and shells of invertebrates.
Calcium carbonate tends to crystallize in the form of polymorphic modifications, such as Aragonite or Vaterite. The name was given to the mineral in the middle of the XNUMXth century, at the suggestion of the mineralogist Wilhelm Haidinger. It is difficult to imagine how many years ago the calcareous rock was formed.
It is historically known that the mineral is present in the most ancient architectural structures, such as the pyramids in Egypt or the amphitheater and temples in ancient Greece.
The formation of calcite occurs in low-temperature hydrothermal processes. The mineral is resistant to the effects of natural conditions, it is difficult to dissolve in fresh water. However, the lime rock is easily washed out by waters with a high content of carbon dioxide. As a result, funnels are formed, karst caves grow out of them, which have both horizontal and vertical arrangement.
Value
It is difficult to overestimate the importance of calcite in nature. It is part of the organisms of most living beings on Earth.
The most common examples are shells and skeletons. Calcite is used in medicine, in jewelry, in everyday life. Scientists call this mineral the "stone of life", and it really is.
Physical and chemical properties of calcite
Natural stone in its purest form is white, transparent or translucent, like some varieties of calcareous spar. A rather fragile mineral, with a low density, boils in hydrochloric acid. Birefringence, mother-of-pearl luster is a feature of transparent crystals.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Formula | CaCO3 |
| Impurities | Mn,Fe,Zn,Co,Ba,Sr,Pb,Mg,Cu,Al,Ni,V,Cr,Mo |
| Hardness | 3 |
| Density | 2,71 g / cm³ |
| Refractive index | nω = 1,640-1,660 nε = 1,486 |
| Kink | Irregular, stepped or conchoidal. |
| Syngonia | Trigonal. |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Brilliance | Glass, frosted. |
| Transparency | Transparent or translucent. |
| Color | Colorless, white, pink, yellow, brown. |
The most common forms of calcite are regular figures: octahedrons, prisms, rhomboids, etc.
If calcite contains an admixture of manganese, it will have a pink or reddish tint. Iron will give calcite a yellow-brown hue, and malachite - green.
Place of Birth
Places where there are formations of calcite ore are found on all continents of the planet. The largest deposits are in America, Mexico, Italy and Greece. Massive, transparent crystals are mined in Iceland.
In England, deposits of pink and lettuce gems have been discovered. German and French mines are rich in high quality calcite. Many deposits in Russia produce calcareous spar. There is a large accumulation of the fossil on the Crimean peninsula. Donbass miners in local adits produce rock-forming mineral.
The largest deposit is located in Iceland. Calcite minerals are mined there, which are distinguished by their large size and excellent optical properties.
Yellow crystals are mined in the USA, while blue and blue minerals are supplied from African countries.
Varieties and colors of calcite
It is known that the shade of crystals is affected by impurities that are part of the rock. Calcite comes in the following colors:
- white or colorless is Icelandic spar;
- pink;
- bright red color;
- green;
- blue;
- blue;
- brownish yellow tint.
Argentina
It has a lamellar structure and a silver tint.
Anthraconite
A variety of calcite that has a black tint. It is achieved due to the content of bitumen in the mineral.
Icelandic spar
It has the largest birefringence of all varieties.
Marble
It is a hard variety of calcite.
Travertines
Soft varieties. These include chalk, limestone and minerals formed by the fossilized remains of algae.
Pearl
Calcite comes in many colors. The most common is a translucent stone, but there are blue, pink, reddish, brown, yellow (its various shades), crimson. "Angel Wings" is a mineral that resembles a wing in shape and color.
If the stone is transparent, then it is completely clean. The mineral of each color has its own magical properties.
Calcite - magical properties
Shamans, healers, white magicians who use gems in ritual actions highly appreciate the magical properties of calcite. The strength of the vibrations of the mineral is able to awaken hidden talents and extrasensory abilities.
As a magic stone, calcite activates the gift of clairvoyance, helps mediums to contact spirits, dreamers who hear clearly and sorcerers to read reliable information. According to esotericists, wearing a mineral expands consciousness, gives the development of foresight. Also, crystals are used in meditation, the properties of a nugget help to relax, get a harmonious state.
An amulet with a stone has a direct connection with the owner. In the event of the loss of an artifact or, for example, the owner stops wearing a talisman, the magical potential is blocked in the gem. It is quite possible that the crystal will not help another owner.
The magical attribute resumes activity, in case of its voluntary offering as a gift to a worthy person or transfer to the heirs. It is possible that the magic stone and the new owner will need to get used to it, to form a new connection.
The compatibility of the mineral with the energy of the owner is expressed with a favorable development of events. The more often successful transactions occur, desires come true, plans are carried out “without a hitch”, it indicates that the exchange of energies has formed and activated the amulet and its owner.
Usually, the participation of a gem in the life of its owner is felt almost immediately, but it may take time to “get used to” from seven to ten days.
Calcite actively interacts with representatives of the following professions:
- economist;
- financier;
- lawyer;
- doctor.
The vibrations of the stone favor the work of people in leadership positions. The energy of the crystal helps in building a successful career. Allows a person engaged in business to be clearly aware of “what this or that enterprise will result in”, to clearly recognize the lies and pretense of business partners.
Since the gem is considered a protector from the troubles that lie in wait on the way, it is recommended that drivers of any vehicles carry it with them. To whom calcite can be suitable due to its magical properties, you can take a talisman or jewelry with you daily.
Important! Magic crystals must be cleansed of negative energy and charged, especially for stones used in rituals.
Depending on the color, the mineral has a different magical effect on a person. Generally speaking, calcite enhances energy flows, develops a sixth sense. It changes the attitude of a person and contributes to the fight against laziness.
Calcite is used in meditation. It is believed that with daily meditation with this mineral, a person will be able to discover expanded knowledge in himself, comprehend the basics of self-knowledge.
If there is no desire to reveal extraordinary abilities in yourself, but only to improve your energy, you can do without meditation, you just need to constantly carry a stone with you.
Consider a stone of each color.
Blue
The mineral of this color is used by people who want to protect themselves from negative magical effects. It cleanses the energy and promotes the growth of inspiration.
honeyed
This stone is recommended for people who lack courage. He will help his owner to gather courage and forget all grievances.
pink color stone
It will help to get rid of nervous tension, increase motivation.
The mineral is not recommended as a gift, unless you intend to pass it on by inheritance. However, there is a nuance here: this stone should be inherited through a generation, and only through the female line.
When choosing a stone, you should pay attention to your own inner feelings:
- If you experience pleasant emotions at the first contact with calcite, then the stone will certainly be very useful to you.
- If, upon contact with a mineral, you feel some kind of rejection or confusion, then it is better to make a choice in favor of another stone.
The healing properties of calcite
The ability to heal calcite has long been known. Healing stone helps in the treatment of the following diseases of the gastrointestinal tract:
- gastritis;
- colitis;
- intoxication.
Stone jewelry supports the body in the off-season, protects against acute respiratory diseases, and strengthens the immune system. The use of a gem gives an anesthetic effect:
- reduces toothache;
- relieves migraine;
- relieves puffiness, eye fatigue, removes cramps, a feeling of sand in the mucosa;
- accelerates the recovery process after an illness.
Important! Since calcite promotes tissue growth, the use of the mineral is contraindicated in various types of tumors.
Each color has a specific healing effect:
- red color stone relieves diseases of the hip joint.
- Pink - improves heart function.
- Black calcite is used after injuries.
- Blue the pebble will help to normalize pressure and eliminate pain.
- Stone with a golden hue beneficial effect on the brain.
- Green The stone will help the body fight infections.
- Colorless Calcite has antiseptic properties.
If beads are made of calcite and placed in a silver frame, then such jewelry will help get rid of colds.
To achieve the desired result, you need to constantly contact calcite: hold it in your hands as often as possible, apply it to a sore spot and wear it closer to the body, for example, on a chain.
What zodiac signs are you compatible with?
Equally important for a person are the unique features of the gem and methods of application. The astrological properties of calcite indicate that wearing jewelry is not contraindicated for anyone, but on the contrary, it helps many. The main thing in choosing an amulet is to choose the right shade.
("++" - the stone fits perfectly, "+" - can be worn, "-" - absolutely contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | ++ |
| Gemini | + |
| Cancer | ++ |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | ++ |
| Scorpio | — |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | ++ |
| Aquarius | + |
| Pisces | + |
- Cancer is a sign of the zodiac of the water element, a blue crystal is suitable.
- Capricorns harmoniously "get along" with green calcite.
- Taurus and Libra can safely wear jewelry with a pink stone.
Jewelry with mineral and their price
Calcite is an ornamental stone. Due to the physical features of the mineral, it is possible to make original works of art from the gem. Jewelry crystal is used in the manufacture of jewelry.
Calcite is combined with various types of metal, which is used for frames. The price of a stone depends on the quality, color and transparency. Examples of prices for jewelry are presented:
- blue calcite beads cost $255;
- a silver ring with a blue mineral costs $32;
- earrings with blue crystals cost $55.
To acquire a magical attribute, it is not necessary to purchase an expensive piece of jewelry; for an amulet, it will be enough to buy a fragment of a crystal. Approximate cost for tumbling a gem:
- Icelandic spar from Kazakhstan, 2×4 cm in size, costs $3;
- a sample of the same breed, 2.5×6 cm in size, costs $4;
- Mexican calcite, orange color, 1.5×2 cm in size costs $3;
- Icelandic spar, brought from Mexico, champagne color and size 2x5 cm costs $7;
- a blue calcite fragment from Mexico, 4 cm in size, costs $9.
Charming calcite crafts in the form of flowers or trees used as decoration cost from $25 and up, depending on the size of the item.
Other uses of calcite
Calcite is a useful and very common mineral, so it is used in many areas. From such varieties of calcite as limestone and marble, various decorations for the interior are made.
In metallurgy, this mineral is used for the production of varnishes, paints and paper bases. Previously, calcite was used to build optical instruments.
Despite the fact that calcite is poorly suited for the jewelry industry, it is used to make handicrafts and souvenirs, which are very popular.
The mineral is practically not processed. It is only cleaned and, if necessary, polished.
How to distinguish a natural stone from a fake?
When buying an expensive piece of jewelry or a modest gem fragment, there are often doubts about the correct choice, as well as the originality of the stone. It is not so difficult to distinguish a natural sample of calcite from a fake, it mainly depends on attentiveness.
If you peer into the crystal, then the first thing that draws attention is obvious defects. Microcracks, inclusions, uneven coloring and pattern indicate that natural stone is in the hands.
Exceptional transparency, a uniform color or an absolutely symmetrical pattern indicate that it is a fake. A characteristic feature of calcite, especially with regards to Icelandic spar, is the double refraction of the beam.
If a larger fragment is directed at any object and you try to see it through the mineral, it seems that the stone acts like a magnifying glass. It is not possible to perform optical anisotropy artificially.
Combination with other stones
Calcite is a wonderful mineral for those who do not like to limit themselves to small things. It is perfectly combined with other precious and semi-precious stones. The main thing is that the colors of the stones and their setting look harmoniously together.
Caring for calcite products
In order for calcite jewelry to serve for a long time and retain its beauty, it must be protected from mechanical damage. The stone is quite fragile, it has to be handled with care, not hit or dropped.
Acid destroys the structure of the gem, so it is better not to use chemicals for cleaning. To clean the jewelry from dirt, it is better to process it in a soapy solution and rinse under running water. Moreover, without the use of brushes, since the hard bristles will scratch the glossy surface of the crystal.
It is recommended to dry the products at room temperature or blot moisture with a soft cloth. Avoid direct sunlight, as the color of gems is "afraid" of ultraviolet radiation. Try not to keep calcite embellishments near heaters.
A fragile mineral is better preserved separately, as hard metal products on it can leave scratches or dents. After use, the jewel is put away in a separate box, upholstered inside with a soft cloth or a case; in a rare case, a velvet case is used.
Interesting Facts
- The Australian Great Barrier Reef is composed of calcite.
- There are more than 700 varieties of this mineral in the world. He is a real record holder in this indicator.
- The earth's crust contains 4% of this mineral. In terms of area, this corresponds to 40%.
- The name of this mineral was given by the famous Austrian geologist Wilhelm von Haidinger in 1845.
- At elevated pressure or high temperature (470 ºC), calcite turns into aragonite. Upon further heating, it decomposes, forming carbon dioxide and lime.
- Coral reefs are made up of calcite. Another property of calcite is its insolubility in warm water. That is why reefs are not found in cold seas.
- Calcite is readily soluble in groundwater. Because of this, “icicles” are formed in the caves - stalactites and stalagmites.
- In one of the mercury deposits, a "white mushroom" was discovered - a natural formation consisting of calcite and weighing 15 kilograms!
