The Story of Calcite Gemstones

Calcite

Source: World Wide

Chemical: CaCO3

Crystal System: Hexagonal

Formation: In limestone rock due to leaching of calcium carbonates from limestone fossil shells and crystallization when water evaporates.

Properties: Extreme doubling of an image as shown in the Gemstone Phenomena page for Kids. Calcite occurs in many crystal forms within the hexagonal system as shown below.