Blue Calcite Raw Mineral Specimen (Mexico)

Gemstone / Mineral Name: Blue Calcite
Item Size (millimetres): 26mm to 50mm
Colour: Light Blue
Origin: Mined in Mexico
Actual Item Shown In Photo: No (*You may receive a similar item. Please see below.)
Product Code (SKU): RGH-CAL-010-A039

Introducing this wonderful Blue Calcite Raw Mineral Specimen.

Mined in Mexico, this stunning Calcite showcases a beautiful light blue crystal, perfectly demonstrating the raw beauty of Mother Nature's artistry.

Calcite, a calcium carbonate mineral, exhibits a surprisingly broad spectrum of colours, despite being naturally colourless or white in its pure form. White Calcite is the most common, often found in chalk, marble, and limestone. Red Calcite gains its colour from traces of iron, manganese, or copper, imparting hues ranging from pink to deep red. Orange Calcite shares a similar colour palette with Red Calcite but boasts a more vibrant orange shade due to a stronger presence of iron. Yellow Calcite derives its pale to honey-like yellow colour from manganese impurities. Green Calcite, with its light green to deep emerald tones, is coloured by iron or chromium. Blue Calcite, one of the rarest colours, owes its hue to copper or cobalt impurities. Purple Calcite gains its colour from manganese or cobalt impurities, while Brown Calcite is coloured by iron impurities, occasionally presenting a yellow or red tint. Black Calcite, darkened by organic matter or manganese, can range from dark grey to black. At times, various impurities combine, giving rise to banded or multi-coloured Calcite with stunning patterns.

Calcite can form in three main environments: sedimentary, metamorphic, and, though much less commonly, igneous. In sedimentary settings, supersaturation of calcium and carbonate ions in water is key, driven by factors like evaporation, biological activity, or primarily temperature fluctuations. In marine environments, microscopic organisms like plankton extract these ions to build shells and skeletons, which accumulate on the seabed and eventually compact into limestone. Continental environments are also important, with freshwater lakes and springs precipitating Calcite to form travertine, a type of limestone, as seen in places like Yellowstone National Park. Additionally, chemical weathering of other carbonate rocks and precipitation from groundwater can contribute significantly to Calcite formation in these settings.

In metamorphic environments, intense pressure, often accompanied by high heat, drives the recrystallisation of limestone into marble. This process typically produces larger Calcite crystals within the rock. Impurities like magnesium or iron can lead to the formation of other carbonate minerals within the marble, such as dolomite or iron-rich carbonates, instead of serpentine, a silicate mineral.

In igneous environments, Calcite is less common than in sedimentary or metamorphic settings, but it can occur in a few different ways. The primary occurrence is in carbonatites, igneous rocks formed by the crystallisation of magma rich in dissolved carbon dioxide. These rocks are relatively rare, but they can contain significant amounts of Calcite. Hydrothermal veins, filled with hot fluids rich in calcium and carbonate ions, can also host Calcite precipitation as the fluids cool, regardless of whether they're directly associated with igneous activity or heated by geothermal sources. Additionally, trace amounts of Calcite can be found in other igneous rocks like lamprophyres and kimberlites.

Calcite, a versatile mineral, leaves its mark on our planet in fascinating ways. Rainwater, acting as a patient sculptor, dissolves Calcite to create spectacular cave formations. Icicles hanging from the ceiling, known as stalactites, are formed by mineral-rich drips. Counterparts rising from the floor, called stalagmites, meet the stalactites over time to form majestic columns. But Calcite's artistry extends beyond caves. Hot springs rich in dissolved calcium carbonate paint landscapes with stepped terraces. As the water cools and loses pressure, Calcite gracefully precipitates, layer upon layer, forming these unique structures. On a smaller scale, Calcite transforms ordinary sand. By precipitating around sand grains, it creates tiny, rounded ooids. These ooids accumulate on beaches and cement together, eventually forming sedimentary rocks like limestone, the very foundation of many coastal landscapes.

The name 'Calcite' is derived from the Latin word 'calx,' meaning 'lime,' which is indicative of its main component - calcium carbonate - the same mineral that gives limestone and chalk their characteristic properties.

As with all gemstones, minerals, and rocks, Calcite has many unique and complex identifying properties, such as chemical formula, crystal structure, refractive index, density, birefringence, and more. To explore the properties of this fascinating piece, please click the 'Blue Calcite Properties' tab of this page.

Ideal for sparking a lifelong passion, this captivating Blue Calcite Raw Mineral Specimen is perfect for both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers. It serves as a great introduction to gem collection, with budding enthusiasts sure to appreciate the beauty and affordability of this piece.

*PLEASE NOTE:All weights, sizes and measurements shown are approximate.Because gemstones, minerals, and rocks are formed in such a way that no two pieces are identical and each is truly unique, the colour, pattern, shape, size, and/or other characteristics of each item may differ slightly from those shown.The product images on this page are an example of the item(s) you will receive. It is probable that you may not get the exact piece(s) pictured. Due to the vast amount of items we hold in stock, photographing each individual piece is almost impossible; therefore, we may send a similar item of similar grade within the minimum and maximum size ranges indicated.

Mineral Magpie