Calcite Stone

History of Calcite Stone

Existing since antiquity, calcite stone is a mineral species that has been thoroughly researched since the 17th century. However, it was not studied as an economic mineral, but rather for its optical qualities. It began with the discovery of birefringent Iceland Spar (a transparent variety of calcite crystals) by Danish Rasmus Bartholin in 1669. This discovery came after the uncovering of a white-silver calcite crystal deposit in the Icelandic mine Helgustadir, located in the Eskifj-dhur region. Very pure, the calcite crystals of these mines charmed with their forms and colours, earning them the name ‘silver stones’.

Rasmus Bartholin’s studies helped to reveal the birefringence of these crystals, that is, their quality of dividing rays of light upon penetration. This discovery contributed significantly in the field of optics. For example, it was found that by looking at letters through a rhombohedron Iceland Spar, these letters could be seen in duplicate on paper. The discovery of birefringence has thus given rise to numerous studies of this crystal. The latter therefore bore various names during these multiple observations. Names such as limestone fluorspar, focobonite, aphrite, etc, were used.

Studies and research of note:

• Studies on calcite birefringence carried out by Christiaan Huygens, Étienne Louis Malus and William Nicol, in 1678, 1810 and 1828 respectively;
• The invention of the word ‘lime’ (derived from the Greek Khalx), by German mineralogist Johann Carl Freiesleben to refer to this crystal, in 1836. Freiesleben’s observations then focused on calcite cleavages, in other words, on ‘carbonated lime’ as mineralogists termed it;
• The introduction of the concept of the ‘integral molecule’ by René Just Haüy, based on Carl Freiesleben’s observations;
• The use of the concept of crystal lattices by Gabriel Delafosse, in 1840. Delafosse was therefore at the origin of the invention of crystallography, as was Jean-Baptiste Romé de L’Isle.

Moreover, history reveals that calcite stone was used extensively as a manufacturing material in Egypt. Numerous archaeological excavations demonstrate that it was used by Egyptians for the crafting of statuettes and various decorative objects and ornaments.

Today, it is used in many sectors. Widely used for industrial purposes, it is favoured for the making of limestone or cement. It is also used to make building or decorative stones; the many aesthetic uses of marble in architecture are a fitting example of this. In addition, it is a crystal that is used to melt glass, in metallurgy. It is also used for manufacturing in a variety of other ways. For example, it can be used for fertilisers, acting as a raw material in chemical industries.

Origin and Composition of Calcite Stone

Of great interest, calcite stone is a mineral species that has a variety of hues. There are two ways to explain this. First is that it is a crystal primarily made up of calcium carbonate (CACO³); it thus resembles dolomite. The second is that it is a chemical or biochemical mineral that contains various metals such as: zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), magnesium (Mg), aluminium (Al), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr) and molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co). Calcite is an aragonite. It is therefore a mineral species from the carbonate family (formula CACO³). This mineral’s crystalline system has a trigonal surface. It is also a polymorphic crystal, because it can take various forms: elongated prisms, rhombohedrons, plates, etc. In photographs, it is thus easy to confuse this crystal with dolomite. However, acetic acid or low-concentrated HCI tests differentiate calcite from dolomite; the former is effervescence, which is not the case for the latter.

It is also a mineral species with many colours. You will see various photos ranging from the colourless Icelandic variety to white, yellow, orange, red, blue, green or orange. The high birefringence of this mineral makes it easy to recognise, as the light propagates anisotropically, or with a different speed depending on the direction. In mineralogy, this species is deemed ubiquitous as iit is present in many regions. Countries such as Canada, Mexico, France and the United States contain numerous deposits. Often, it is found in limestone rocks and metamorphic rocks such as marble. In contrast, it is quite rare to find samples of this aragonite in magmatic rocks.

Litho Therapeutic Properties of Calcite Stone

Calcite stone’s psychological benefits

In litho therapy, calcite is considered a soft stone. Mentally, it is known for offering calm and helping to restore mental balance. In everyday life, at work, at home, with family or friends, it helps you to revitalise and re-centre. It also helps one to better manage the adverse effects of anger. It encourages flexibility by reducing overly rigid thoughts and beliefs. It is also a mineral that stimulates intuition. In addition, this mineral species is of the comforting type. It links the emotions to the intellect and prevents the user from being discouraged or losing hope. It allows children to develop and adapt to adult life. As well as enriching your collection, it will help you to replace stress with serenity.

Perfect for heightening the ability to discern and analyse, calcite stone helps you to organise ideas and put them into practice. It also helps to aid memory and promotes education, learning and career building. One can additionally use it to limit laziness and to boost energy and self-assertion. Beneficial in many aspects, this crystal is also spiritually useful. It helps you to be more open to channelling, to psychic gifts and out-of-body experiences. It promotes spiritual development; allowing the soul to remember experiences once it has returned to its body.

The Physical Virtues of Calcite Stone

Physically, calcite stone’s virtues vary according to its hue. However, it is known for strengthening bones, the spine and joints because of its high calcium content. This mineral boosts vitality and energy, purifying the detoxification organs. It reduces ligament wrinkles and also helps to strengthen muscles and joints. Iceland Spar and its varieties can also be useful for alleviating fevers and burns. These crystals are the perfect assets for relieving lower back and dental problems. Beneficial to the digestive system and lower abdomen disorders, they also bring relief during intestinal problems. In case of spasms or tremors, they support the nervous system.

Just as this mineral is active on the immune system, it also plays a role in assisting children in their development. It promotes growth and stimulates tissue regeneration. On the dermis, it acts as an elixir to heal suppurating wounds. It can also be used to soothe the adrenal glands.

Calcite Stone’s Virtues According to Colour

The litho therapeutic characteristics of calcite differ depending on its colours. To use calcite optimally, it is recommended to use it according to one’s needs. When calcite stone is:

• Colourless: it opens the mind, and develops extrasensory abilities. It enhances inspiration and encourages deep reflection.
• Red: it is perfect for recovery whether mentally or physically, after moments of fatigue. It stimulates, revitalises and helps unblock sexual disorders.
• Green: it helps detoxify the body and strengthens the heart. It contributes to the well-being of the mind and of spiritual recollection.
• Orange yellow: it signifies the sun and brings joy, morale and optimum recovery. It is a mineral that increases intellectual and physical activity and strengthens the immune system. It decreases feelings of hunger and reduces nausea.
• Blue: it is a source of peace and a conduit for communication. It promotes the openness of the mind by making it better capable of integrating new aspects in less rigid ways, without prejudice. It boosts energy in case of fatigue and exhaustion.

To make the most of the effects of this collectible mineral, it should be purified periodically. To do this, it must be put for a few hours in distilled water or water without limestone.