Yellow Calcite
Calcite var. Yellow Calcite · Mineral Specimen and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, typically forming as rhombohedral crystals, though this specimen is a tumbled, massive stone
Mineral Group
Carbonates
Chemical Formula
CaCO3
Formation Process
Sedimentary or hydrothermal precipitation from calcium-rich solutions at low to moderate temperatures
About This Crystal
A smoothly polished, tumbled stone exhibiting a warm golden-yellow color with characteristic white internal banding and intersecting cleavage planes, showing translucent to semi-translucent transparency and a vitreous to waxy luster
Physical Characteristics
Yellow body color with a white streak, perfect rhombohedral cleavage in three directions intersecting at 75 and 105 degrees, conchoidal to uneven fracture, specific gravity of approximately 2.71, brittle tenacity, and strong white or pinkish fluorescence under ultraviolet light
Optical Properties
Uniaxial negative with strong birefringence and double refraction (seen as doubled images when looking through transparent specimens)
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Found globally with major deposits in Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and the USA; forms in sedimentary, metamorphic, and hydrothermal environments
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 3, making it very soft and easily scratched by a copper coin or knife; poor toughness due to perfect cleavage, making it unsuitable for daily-wear jewelry without protective settings
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap; avoid prolonged exposure to water, harsh household chemicals, and acids (which cause effervescence), and store separately from harder minerals to prevent scratching
Rarity & Value
Common; widely available and highly affordable, typically valued as an accessible decorative stone or crystal specimen with minimal or no treatments required
Special Characteristics
Exhibits strong birefringence, prominent internal rhombohedral cleavage networks, and often displays fluorescence under UV light
Lore & History
Historically used as a grounding and balancing stone in modern crystal healing traditions, commonly associated with the solar plexus chakra and believed by practitioners to enhance confidence, mental clarity, and emotional energy