Properties of Calcite

Calcite is a carbonate mineral with the chemical formula (CaCO3). It is one of the most common minerals on Earth and is a major component of sedimentary rocks like limestone, marble, and chalk.

Image of calcite mineral
Credit: Koreller, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of calcite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Calcite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaCaCO3
Molar Mass100.087 g/mol
Crystal SystemTrigonal (rhombohedral)
Mohs Hardness3
Density2715 - 2940 kg/m3
ColorColorless, white, pink, yellow, or brown
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent, to opaque
LusterVitreous (glassy)
Cleavage(1011) perfect
FractureBrittle, conchoidal
StreakWhite
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point1330 °C
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)834 J/kg·K

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.