AllMineralsRock
Calcite Vs. Citrine
Calcite is a very popular mineral composed of calcium carbonate.[1] Citrine is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is silicon dioxide.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Calcite and Citrine
For a quick recap of the differences calcite and citrine:- While both calcite and citrine can be transparent, calcite can be opaque or translucent.
- For chemical formulas, calcite is CaCO3 while citrine is SiO2.
- While both calcite and citrine can be vitreous, in terms of luster, calcite can be pearly.
- Calcite can be commonly red while citrine can be commonly orange.
- Calcite's rarity is less rare than citrine.
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Calcite's hardness is lower than citrine - calcite is 3 and citrine is 7 on the Moh's scale.
- Calcite can be scratched by copper pennies (3.5), the average knife blade (4.5), glass (5.5) or quartz (7) while citrine can not be.
- Calcite's specific gravity is higher than citrine - calcite ranges from 2.71 to 2.94 and citrine is 2.651.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Calcite and Citrine
The similarities of calcite and citrine include:- In terms of crystallography, calcite and citrine both can be hexagonal or trigonal.
- Calcite and citrine both streak white.
Summary of Calcite
Calcite is a mineral that is widely distributed throughout the world. It is a carbonate mineral that is composed of calcium carbonate, which gives it a white or colorless appearance. Calcite is often found in sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and marble, as well as in hydrothermal veins and in some metamorphic rocks. It is also found in the shells of marine organisms, such as clams and oysters.Summary of Citrine
Citrine is a variety of quartz, which is a mineral that is widely distributed throughout the world. It is a yellow to brownish-orange color and is often used in jewelry and decorative objects. Citrine is often referred to as the "healing quartz" due to its purported ability to promote mental clarity, emotional stability, and physical well-being.Table Comparison of Calcite vs Citrine
| Calcite (src) | Citrine (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | transparent |
| Chemical Formula | CaCO3 | SiO2 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium carbonate | silicon dioxide |
| Specific Gravity | 2.71, 2.94 | 2.651 |
| Hardness | 3 | 7 |
| Streak | white | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal | hexagonal, trigonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.486, 1.74 | 1.544, 1.553 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: red sometimes: pink, purple, colorless less common: blue, gray, black, brown, green, white, orange, yellow, multicolor |
common: orange sometimes: brown less common: yellow |
| Fracture | conchoidal | conchoidal |