Calcite

Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral that has many uses in the building industry. It is a key component in limestone, marble, cement, and the shells of marine creatures that make up sedimentary rocks. It is also used in metallurgical flux, fertilizers, and other parts of the chemical industry. In the past, clear calcite crystals were used as prisms in the study of optics. Rough calcite crystals may be used in jewellry as an ornament only due to its poor hardness (Darling, 64).

The mineral is formed in hydrothermal veins in clefts and druses of volcanic regions where it forms from solutions rich in calcium salts. The colour is usually transparent milky or pinkish white, with more uncommon colours of yellow, green, blue, orange, brown, and red. It crystallizes in the forms of prisms and masses, with actual crystals being a rare occurence.

Calcite will change to Aragonite when heated at 470°C.

Calcite will dissolve in cold hydrochloric acid with a brisk effervescence.

History

The mineral has been used for thousands of years as lime in folk medicine. It was also used as a poultice for skin diseases, ulcers, warts, and suppurating wounds (Gienger, 246).

Healing Properties

Calcite helps to stimulate the metabolism, fortifying the immune system and enchancing growth in young children. It also helps to alleviate skin and intestinal complaints, encourage the healing of bones and tissues, and promote blood clotting by helping to normalize the rhythm of the heartbeat.

Mentally, calcite is able to help transform our ideas into action, as well as clarifying vague thoughts into defined solutions. It also helps to improve our ability to differentiate and recognize different sets of ideas and to organize them into workable parts, making us more energetic, industrious, and successful people.

On an emotional level, the stone is believed to entrust one with stability and consistency. This is effective in combatting laziness by strengthening the ability to overcome emotional blockages that prevents one from taking necessary actions.

Calcite has a strong effect in speeding up spiritual development, especially in younger children. It also applies to adults who believe their lives have taken a turn for the worst by strengthening their resolve to do something about it (Gienger, 246).

Scientific info

References

Darling, Peter. Crystal Identifier (New York: Shooting Star Press, 1996), 64.
Gienger, Michael. Crystal Power, Crystal Healing (London: Cassell & Co., 2000), 246.