Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Calcite |
Catalog Number |
2005.5.4 |
Material(s) |
calcite |
Dimensions |
H-3.5 W-1.75 D-1.5 inches |
Description |
Four calcite specimens: A) One is gray on the outside with white and gray crystals. B) This stone is gray on the outside with white/clear crystals. C) is a large white stone with crystals D) One small stone that is mostly white crystals with some gray/brown coloring. |
Notes |
Calcite gets its name from the Greek word "chalix", meaning lime. It is one of the Earth's most common minerals comprising by weight about 4% of the Earth's crust and is found in a wide variety of environments. Calcite can form in a variety of ways and can constitute a part of all 3 rock types (sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous). The physical characteristics of the mineral include a vitreous to resinous luster, transparent to translucent chrystals, a trigonal chrystal system, conchoidal fracture, hardness of 3, and specific gravity of 2.7. The color is highly variable but generally white or colorless with shades of yellow, orange, blue, pink, red, brown, green, black, and gray. |
Collection |
Kentucky Geological Survey Collection |
Subjects |
Geology Rocks Crystals |
Search Terms |
Kentucky Geological Survey |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |