Calcite and Marble

After to Quartz, Calcite is the most next common mineral on the face of the Earth, comprising about 4% by weight of the Earth's crust. It is found throughout the world in sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks. Calcite is a carbonate mineral and is found in both massive or crystals. More than 300 different crystal forms have been found in Calcite. Even the massive formations can sometimes be translucent. Calcite has a hardness of about 3.

Calcite gets its name from "chalix" the Greek word for lime. It generally has a hardness of 3. And is usually Calcite is the primary mineral in metamorphic marble. Calcite comes in many colors, including colorless, white, pink, yellow, blue, brown or orange and can sometimes be multi-colored.

Calcite is the primary mineral in marble, mexican onyx and limestone. It also occurs in caverns as stalactites and stalagmites. Calcite is present in the seas and most streams, and animals and people need it to make their shells and bones. When the hot spring waters rise to the surface and deposits the calcite in mass layers it is known as travertine or onyx. When impurities are present, such as iron, the travertine can have a banded effect. Calcite can form rocks of considerable size, in fact a crystal was found in Iceland that was over 20 feet long and weighed about 250 tons!

Two other minerals similiar to Calcite are Aragonite and Dolomite. Aragonite and Dolomite are harder than Calcite.

Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone. It takes less heat to metamorphose a limestone, and for this reason Marble has a more crystalline structure than other metamorphic rocks. Pure Marble is white. The characteristic swirls and veins of colored marble varieties are due to impurities present when the rock was changing: for instance clay, sand, iron oxide, etc. Iron makes marble red or pink. Chlorite makes it green. Marble is found all over the world in many different colors and patterns. Marble is highly prized for its inexhaustible supply and often used in buildings. The word "marble" comes from the Greek word marmaros, meaning "shining stone."

The belief in the magical properties of the rocks and minerals is not new. Belief in the supernatural properties of rocks and minerals bringing peace, wellness and protection goes back beyond recorded history. There are ancient legends that trace rocks, minerals and crystals back to the creation of the Earth and the Universe. Most of my metaphysical information is taken from The Book of Stones-Who They Are and What They Teach, with permission from its co-author, Mr. Robert Simmons. Metaphysically Calcite is said to alleviate emotional stress, replacing it with serenity, and enhancing trust in oneself and the ability to overcome setbacks.

OakRocks has been in the rock and mineral business for 30 years. We are a great source for Calcite and various Marbles. We carry a selection of carvings, rough slabs, eggs, spheres, and cabochons.

Find Calcite products in our store!

Find Marble products in our store!