Metaphysical Properties of Calcite

• Element: See Below
• Birthstone: Cancer
• Chakras: See Below

Regardless of the color of Calcite, all are excellent healing stones. It possesses very gentle yet cleansing and revitalizing energy emanations, making this indispensable for crystal workers looking to open blockages within the body, activating energy systems and removing beyond past unhealthy patterns.

Orange Calcite contains the fire element and activates the Sacral (2nd) and Solar Plexus (3rd) Chakras. It powerfully awakens one's energies and resources for all types of activities, especially those involving creativity and/or sexuality. It is a highly energizing and cleansing stone, bringing about a revitalization of one's health and life energies. It balances the emotions, removes fears, overcomes depression, dissipates problems and maximizes potential. It assists in integrating new ideas and creativity into everyday life. Orange Calcite is particularly helpful for those seeking to experience a fuller expression of their creativity or expanding their business, resulting in the increased accumulation of money and wealth.

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History of Calcite

While Calcite owes its name to the Greek word chalix, which means "lime", it's been mined and used by humans since Paleolithic times. The ancient Egyptians had nearly an unlimited supply of Alabaster Calcite, a translucent, yellowish mineral with waves of ivory, white, cream, orange or brown. From this, the Egyptians produced everything from seals, containers, perfume jars, dishes, vases, bowls, boxes, lamps, sculptures, statues, ceremonial objects and room ornaments. In fact, found in King Tutankhamen's tomb was a magnificent pectoral with the Sun God represented by a large translucent calcite scarab; and a gold, Lapis Lazuli, and Turquoise falcon. The Egyptian Alabaster Calcite were traded with the nearby Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations because Calcite raw materials and manufactured items were discovered in archaeological digs.

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Chemical Composition of Calcite

• Hardness: 3
• Crystal System: Hexagonal (Trigonal)
• Composition: Calcium Carbonate

Calcite is one of the most common minerals on earth and constitutes a major portion of many of the earth's rocks. Calcite is polymorphous to Aragonite, meaning it shares the same chemical composition as Aragonite but differs in the crystal structure. Aragonite forms orthorhombic crystals, whereas Calcite forms trigonal crystals. The major component of most marble and limestone is Calcite. Calcite is the primary ore of Calcium. In fact, Calcite is instrumental to the production of cement, chemicals, fertilizers, metals, glass, rubber, paint and chalk. Calcite can be commonly found throughout the world.