Mineral Species: Calcite

Chemical Formula: CaCO3

Chemical Name: Calcium Carbonate

Mineral Class: Carbonate

Mineral Notes: Calcite is one of the commonest minerals, being the main constituent of limestone. Calcite is often fluorescent, a small amount of Managnese is enough to make it glow red under UV light. The mineral will bubble in acid distinguishing it from many similar species, even other carbonates which do not dissolve so easily in cold acids.

Description: Numerous, white Calcite crystals on matrix. Several crystal forms are present, but the specimen is dominated by flattened tabular crystal stacks. Some individual crystals show transparency and thus internal growth zones. The strong pearly-luster adds to the attractivenss of this specimen.

 Location: Daye, Hubei Province, China