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crystals,
gems and minerals
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Calcite
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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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Teresa's Rock of the Week, formerly Gail's Rock of the Week |
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