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Calcite
 

	Calcite gets its name from “Chalix”, the Greek word for lime.
	Although fine quality gem specimens are relatively rare, it is one of the most common minerals on the face of the Earth. Calcite comprises about 4% by weight of the Earth's crust and formed in many different geological environments.
	The varieties of Calcite, CaCO3, are so numerous and so varied that an entire display case at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is devoted just to Calcite.

Calcite is the primary mineral component in cave formations. Stalactites and stalagmites, cave veils, cave pearls, "soda straws" and the many other different cave formations are made of Calcite.
 

Most calcite is white, though various impurities may tint it almost any color, even black.
 

A well known variety is commonly called "Iceland Spar". These are basically clear cleaved fragments of completely colorless (ice-like) Calcite.
 

Iceland Spar best demonstrates Calcite’s double refraction. Double refraction occurs when light enters the crystal and Calcite's optical properties split the light into fast and slow beams. As these two beams exit the crystal they are bent into two different angles. Because the angle is affected by the speed of the beams, a person looking into the crystal sees two images. It is for this reason that Iceland Spar is used for optical equipment.
 

As it can be used to determine the distance to an object viewed through it, during WW2 Calcite was classed as a strategic mineral for its use in the bombsites of allied bombers.
 

Generally faceted only for collectors, with advances in setting technology Calcite is increasingly suitable for Jewelry, particularly pendants or earrings.