Calcite, The Sparkling Birthstone for August 19th
Birthstone for August 19th: Calcite Description of Calcite Calcite is a versatile and abundant mineral found in a variety of stunning forms and colors. Its name is derived from the Latin word calx, meaning lime, as it is a primary component of limestone and marble. Calcite is often admired for its exceptional clarity and double refraction, a phenomenon where objects viewed through the mineral appear doubled. This unique optical property is one of the reasons Calcite is a favorite among collectors and geologists alike....