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**Chemical formula:** CaCO₃ **Hardness:** 3 **Density:** 2.6‒2.8 g/cm³ **Crystal system:** Trigonal **Luster:** Vitreous to resinous **Description:** Calcite is the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), with aragonite as the other polymorph. Its color ranges from white or transparent to gray, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, brown, or even black. A transparent variety, known as Iceland spar, is used for optical purposes. Calcite is a common constituent of limestone, which forms from the shells of dead marine organisms, and is the primary mineral in metamorphic marble. It also forms stalactites and stalagmites in caverns. ## Keywords mineral calcite texture color ornamental stone semi-precious gemstone
