Calcite is a carbonate mineral and is found in many places around the world. In its crudest form it presents as limestone, which is reflected in its name, being a derivative of the Greek word chalix, meaning "lime." Limestone is used as a building material and is also crushed for use in many other industries including the manufacture of cement, road construction and farming where it is used as a soil conditioner. It can be clear or white and also comes in a multitude of colours depending on the impurities and other minerals present in its composition. 

One of its well-known properties, birefringence, or double refraction, was first described by the Danish scientist Rasmus Bartholin in 1669 and involves the splitting of a ray of light into two rays when it passes through the crystal. When viewing objects through a piece of calcite they appear doubled. Iceland Spar, the clearest of Calcite, is actually valuable for optical equipment because of this.

From a crystal collector's perspective, it is the coloured varieties of calcite that are valued as an ornamental stone. Because it is relatively soft, only 3 on the Mohs scale, it is often carved into ornaments and even lamps.

The crystal structure of  calcite is hexagonal-rhombohedral, and splits into beautiful pieces, with a glossy lustre and a marvellous sheen, sometimes quite uniform in shape.

The many different types of calcite exhibit slightly different characteristics as they contain different minerals that create the colour. Therefore, the properties vary, but overall this crystal is an excellent stone for cleansing and rejuvenation.

The energy flow of calcite is extremely interesting. It is directed inwards towards the centre of the mineral, separates and then returns outwards at double the intensity. This means that it is an amplifier of energy so that when you connect with your own energy vibrations it will increase the potency. This is why it is such an amazing cleansing stone. The different coloured calcites placed on the appropriate chakras will gently clear away negative energy, removing blockages and restoring the chakras to alignment. In this way you are wonderfully rejuvenated, allowing a calm and clear flow of energy. You will feel nourished and motivated to move forward striving towards your best life with an easy flow of joy. 

Below are the different types of Calcite and the slightly different focus of their properties.

Chakras: Throat & Third Eye

In addition to the properties of Calcite in general, Blue Calcite is known for its gentle blue spiritual light, which is especially useful for those sensitive to the energy of others. It assists with creativity and dream work. It is a great companion stone to writers and artists as it can clear creative blockages. It is also good for helping you to understand how your words and thoughts can impact your life, transforming these into positive affirmations rather than self imposed negative prophecies.

Chakra: Third Eye

In addition to the properties of Calcite in general, Optical Calcite assists with communication, especially when having to have ‘that difficult conversation’. It is a reminder of ‘double meanings’, so gives you the ability to see things from more than one point of view.

Chakra: Heart

In addition to the properties of Calcite in general, Green Calcite is cooling and gentle on the heart. It clears the heart chakra of stress and can soften the heart to open more fully to divine love. In this way, it fosters forgiveness, removing resentment and grudges; releasing buried emotions that are causing ‘dis-ease’. It is a great crystal for tuning into nature, plants and animals. It can bring fresh energy into a space, especially during winter.

Chakras: Base, Solar Plexus and Third Eye

In addition to the properties of Calcite in general, Honey Calcite is a reminder about the sweet side of life; that joy is available to you in abundance if you open yourself to it. Like a sugar hit, Honey Calcite can bring a boost to the intellect, perfect for those who need to be alert for long periods of time, such as shift workers or those studying for exams. It is a great stone for concentration and at the same time relaxation. It enables you to stay calm when taking action so that you can get the job done without the stress.

Chakras: Base, Solar Plexus and Third Eye

In addition to the properties of Calcite in general, Honey Calcite is a reminder about the sweet side of life; that joy is available to you in abundance if you open yourself to it. Like a sugar hit, Honey Calcite can bring a boost to the intellect, perfect for those who need to be alert for long periods of time, such as shift workers or those studying for exams. It is a great stone for concentration and at the same time relaxation. It enables you to stay calm when taking action so that you can get the job done without the stress.

Chakras: Sacral & Solar Plexus

In addition to the properties of Calcite in general, Orange Calcite is a great support to the physical body as it gets the energy moving, especially for the flow of creativity and sexuality. This physical action can lead to the lifting of depression and an infusion of joy.  It is wonderful to help you get a stalled project happening as well as for seeing new solutions to old problems. As well as healing things from the past, especially in regards to shame.

Chakras: All

In addition to the properties of Calcite in general, Rose Calcite fosters a great compassion for yourself and others. It is a stone of unconditional love, whereby you accept yourself and others without judgement and release anything from the past that prevents you from feeling this. In opening the heart you are able to feel an intense appreciation of the beauty of simply being alive and everything that life entails. Beauty is everywhere, simply open your heart and you will see it. In this state, you are a vessel, ready to receive the gifts of love and fertility, and the ability to take the necessary action to make these gifts manifest.

Chakras: Throat + Third Eye + Crown

In addition to the properties of Calcite in general, Turquoise Calcite is a great crystal for relaxation. It can take you to a place of deep peace, enabling you to release all that is causing stress and anxiety. It can support those with depression and leave you feeling refreshed.

As a stone that resonates with the throat chakra, you can also use it to assist with communication and self-expression. It is particularly useful in the workplace or in a study as it also helps with mental clarity and can stimulate the intellect.