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Identification Tips:
Although calcite is found in many
colors (top right) it is usually clear or white. It can be identified by it's
the characteristic
rhombic shape of it's crystals. When calcite cleaves (top left) each
piece takes on the rhombic shape. Some samples of
calcite are transparent. Clear (optical) calcite will produce a double image
when placed on a printed page (bottom right). This
property makes identification easy. If your sample is not clear rely on the
shape for identification. Calcite will bubble in
acid however this test is not part of the earth science practical.
Back to Page 7 (sedimentary rocks)