Calcite Uses

Calcite word comes is derived from the Latin word calx and the Greek word chalix, that meas lime. Calcite mineral is commonly found in limestone and marble. Calcite is a colorless or white mineral when pure. But, due to the impurities present in it, this mineral can be found in many colors like red, yellow, green, honey, pink, lavender, black, brown or blue. This mineral can appear transparent, translucent or opaque. Calcite mineral can have luster that can be vitreous to dull, and many crystals especially the colorless ones are vitreous, while the fine grained mostly are seen dull. Calcite can be scratched readily by a knife blade or with a geologic pick. These were the physical properties of the calcite. But, most calcite uses can be attributed to its distinguishing properties like it has a good hardness level, is readily dissolvable in certain materials, and has healing properties.

Uses of Calcite in Construction Industry
Construction industry is the primary consumer of calcite in the form of limestone and marble. Such rocks have been used as dimension stones for making mortar for thousands of years. Limestone blocks were used for making primary construction material while making the pyramids. Now, rough and polished limestone and marble is used for making prestige construction monuments. For making modern buildings, calcite in the form of limestone and marble is used for producing cement and concrete. Such materials are easy to mix, and transport and used to make a slurry mixture that hardens fasts, and is very durable.

Marble is an attractive construction material, that has been used to make many monuments and sculptures throughout the history. The lack of significant porosity of marble, allows it to stand up well to extreme temperatures and due to its low hardness level, one can easily carve it. Marble has been used to make many small figurines, especially the Mexican onyx variety and marble is also used to make gigantic pyramids. Today, it is used to make statues, benches, mantles and stairways, etc.

Calcite for Making Medicines
Calcite or calcium carbonate which is derived from very pure marbles or limestones is also used for making medicines. This is one of the common uses of calcite. Calcite has acid neutralizing property. Hence, when it is mixed with sugar and flavoring, the chewable tablets of calcite help in neutralizing the stomach acids. Such medicines are known as antacids, that help greatly to treat stomach problems and other ailments.

Calcite Used for Spiritual Growth
Another known use of calcite is for spiritual growth. Calcite crystal healing stones are used for energy healing and spiritual work as a cleansing and energizing healing stone. Many professional healers, use these stones for calming, spiritual connection created by the calcite gemstones. The crystal healing stones of calcite come in many colors like green, peach, blue and some are clear glassy.

Other Uses of Calcite
Pulverized marble or limestone is used as a dietary supplement that is added to animal feed. Chickens which produce eggs and cattle that produce milk need a calcium rich diet, hence, small amounts of calcite is added to their feed, to increase the calcium intake. Pulverized limestone is used as mine safety dust, this is nonflammable substance that is sprayed onto the walls and roofs of underground coal mines, so that the amount of coal dust, which can increase explosion hazard sticking to the walls is less. The white color also helps in illumination inside a mine.

Due to the amazing properties and the different varieties of calcite, one can find it being used for animals as a dietary supplement to healing stomach ailments in human beings.