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Calcite


Scientific:
Calcite (It is also known as Iceland Spar, flowstone, lime spar, cave onyx, Mexican Onyx (but it's not onyx), nailhead spar, honey calcite, amber calcite, blood calcite (with hematite inclusions), and dogtooth spar (narrow pointed, fanglike crystals). The name "calcite" is from the Greek "chalx", which means "lime".

Calcite can be colorless, yellow, brown, white or pinky-white, red, green and various other colors, including pale shades of gray, yellow, red, green, blue, brown to black when impure; vitreous, dull, and streak white. Kutnohorite (calcium manganese carbonate) is one of the more rare varieties of calcite. It is a delicate pearly pink similar to the pink of rose quartz, but it is opaque.


Fluorescence, phosphorescence, thermoluminescence and triboluminescence are other important properties of calcite, although not all specimens of calcite have these properties. Some Mexican Iceland spar can fluoresce a nice purple or blue color and unique specimens will even phosphoresce (continue to glow) after the UV source has been removed. Triboluminescence is supposedly a property that should occur in most specimens, but is not easily demonstrated. It occurs when the specimen is struck or put under pressure; in a dark room the specimen should glow when this happens.

Calcite crystals are sometimes hexagonal, trigonal and compact masses. It can also be found as large transparent, colorless, complex crystals or as prismatic crystals inter-grown with other minerals. Calcite is one of the most common minerals on the face of the Earth, comprising about 4% by weight of the Earth's crust and is formed in many different geological environments.

While calcite occurs worldwide, outstanding crystals have come from the former Czechoslovakia, Iceland, and the United Kingdom. It occurs as crystals in many different shapes and shades of color. Some of the most beautiful calcite crystal groups came from the Edgemont iron mining area of Cumbria, England in the 19th century. Italy is famous for fine quality marbles, particularly the creamy Carrara marble. Transparent colorless rhombs are known as "Iceland Spar"; a white fibrous variety showing a cat's-eye effect. Pink and green crystals occur in the USA, Germany and England. Because of its abundance, fine specimens of calcite are easy to obtain. Crystals up to roughly 450 kg (1,000 lbs) in weight were found in a cave in limestone near Sterlingbush, Lewis Co. New York. Splendid colorless crystals up to 7.5 cm (3 in) across enclosing brilliant native copper have come from copper mines on Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan. Excellent clusters of well-formed crystals were found in abundance in the lead-zinc mines of the tri-state district of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Beautiful blue coarse-cleavage calcite occurs in the Crestmore quarries near Riverside, California and large flat crystals have been found at a number of localities in the states of Durango, Sonora, and Sinoloa Mexico. Calcite from Franklin NJ is famous for its brilliant red fluorescence.

Compact masses of calcite such as cement, limestone, structural and ornamental stone are used in the building industry. It is also used in the making of metallurgical flux, fertilizers, fertilizer manufacture and in the chemical industry. Until recently, clear calcite crystals were used as prisms. Occasionally rough crystals are used in jewelry or as ornaments. Because it is soft it is generally considered to be too fragile to be worn. It is facetted only for the collector. Calcite will dissolve in cold hydrochloric acid with a brisk effervescence. Calcite is the principal component of limestones and marble and of most stalactites and stalagmites. Marbles and brown, banded calcite from limestone caves are used for both decoration and carving. Calcite is used in the manufacture of steel, cement and glass. Iceland Spar is a variety of calcite originally found in Iceland and formerly used in the manufacturer of polarizing prisms.

Hardness: 3 (only on the basal pinacoidal faces, calcite has a hardness of less than 2.5 and can be scratched by a fingernail)
Chemical Composition: CaCO3 - Calcium carbonate

History: 
Inlaid calcite was used on the throne in the Tomb of Tutankhamun c.1340 B.C.E. 

1669 Erasmus Bartholinus (Denmark). Discovered double refraction in calcite

1828 William Nicol (Scotland). Invented a polarizing prism made from two calcite components. The device became known subsequently as a "nicol prism" 

Lore:
When you hold a square calcite over a line it will appear to double the line. This ability will help you by doubling the power in all spell work.
 

Metaphysical: 
It is an energy amplifier. It is said to help the mind and body to remember information brought to bear during astral travel and channeling. It is useful in multi-directional energy distribution; the energy forces directed at the mineral separate and return at double the intensity. It gives a polarizing prismatic energy, which produces a spectrum of energy to clear and to activate all of the chakras.

The more transparent varieties of calcite make wonderful meditation stones because they often show interesting internal features and planes of iridescence. Attractive to the meditative gaze the character of each crystal seems to change with changes in the ambient light.

Green calcite is sometimes considered a partner to osteopaths and chiropractors as it has been thought to help heal bone and ligament trauma, sports injuries, arthritis and tendonitis. It promotes healing, mental balance and communication between the intellect and the emotions. Heals allergies to toxic fumes and chemicals and helps remove them.

Gold calcite - Is said to deepen intellect, memory, wisdom, psychic abilities, astral projection, channeling and higher consciousness.

White calcite (also called Iceland Spar) -Fosters spirituality, and awakens feelings of love and connectedness to the entire universe. Helps make one feel worthy and gives a feeling of being protected. When a piece of Iceland Spar is worn by the celebrant or placed on the alter, it doubles the power of the ritual.

Gray Calcite - Encourages calmness and serenity. It neutralizes the impact of karmic influences. Allows one clear vision and to remain neutral from a detached point of view.

Brown or Gold - Gives insight into truth. Opens mind to inner wisdom.

Blue - Balances emotions and removes blocked emotions. Reduces intensity and heals emotions. Opens, heals and unblocks all chakras.

Orange - Makes one feel happy and safe. Reduces inappropriate skepticism.

Red - Drains negativity from body. Makes one feel protected, as well as opens the heart chakra.

Black - Predicts and prevents problems. 

Violet - Peace and harmony with the universe.
   




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