Calcite is a variety of calcium carbonate, one form of which is Clear Calcite also known as Iceland Spar. Calcite is often confused for colorless forms of other translucent gemstones such as quartz. Calcite is very abundant, yet the Iceland Spar form was only recently discovered and appears in a small number of mines worldwide. Calcite is typically not enhanced before being jeweled for market. In the Iceland Spar form, calcite is used extensively for polarizing light.
| Chemical Formula | Ca Co3 |
| Color | Off White, Colorless |
| Hardness | 3 |
| Crystal System | Trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.48Â -Â 1.65 |
| SG | 2.69Â -Â 2.7 |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Double Refraction | .172 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Cleavage | Perfect with conchoidal |
| Mineral Class | Calcite |
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