Introduction to Optical Calcite
This article will disclose for you all you need to know about optical calcite—what it is, what it means, its many properties, and the types, colors, and uses that are so varied and fascinating they almost seem magical. So, let’s get on with it!
What is Optical Calcite?
Beautiful, clear optical calcite is a form of quartz that has been utilized for centuries in a variety of creative mediums and applications. This nearly pure, transparent form of calcium carbonate is best known for its strong birefringence and nearly perfect cleavage, which cause it to split a beam of light into two and bend one of the beams at a slightly different angle than the other.
Historical Context of Optical Calcite
Historically, this made calcite a poor choice for constructing optical instruments, but it has found other uses in the world of art and science. Read on to discover all that you need to know about this beguiling and beautiful mineral!
What Does Optical Calcite Do?
Optical calcite crystal is a natural crystal known for bending and splitting light. This crystal has a unique property: it separates light into two beams of different polarizations. So, what does that mean? One beam of light comes out of the optical calcite and goes off to whatever direction the first ordinary ray would go. This is the refracted beam. The other beam of light comes out in the direction that the reflected ray would go. Unlike the ordinary and extraordinary rays discussed above, these two rays are actually quite peculiar—even for calcite—because they are polarized in perpendicular planes. The light emerging from an optical calcite crystal is an excellent illustration of both beam splitting and the formation of polarized light.
Spiritual Significance of Optical Calcite
People think of optical calcite as a potent spiritual tool. It promotes awareness and makes one cognizant of the sort of energy one emits. As such, this crystal can and should be used for any work involving spiritual ascendance and growth. If you are looking for help to become a more clear and direct channel for whatever sort of spiritual messages you’re meant to deliver or receive, then you should form a working relationship with optical calcite.
Optical Calcite and the Crown Chakra
The optical calcite chakra has a special connection with the crown chakra, the energy center at the very top of our head. This is the point within our bodies from which our connection to the divine radiates outwards. The crown chakra is our center for parasympathetic functions, the calming system that brings us down from high levels of stress and energy back into a place of peace. It’s no coincidence that the crystal associated with this chakra offers us a whole slew of calming and peaceful qualities like those found in the description of the “energetic effects” of optical calcite. Increasing your visual/spatial skills; enhancing your intuitive abilities; allowing you to comprehend messages at a higher level—all things this crystal does for us, especially in the area of the crown chakra.
The Many Benefits of Optical Calcite
Optical calcite is a crystal with many benefits. It has the ability to change how light behaves, and so it has many uses. It can be used to create filters for cameras, to control the intensity of light that passes through, and it can be used in the making of optical fibers, those marvelous conduits that are used to transmit data in the form of light from one place to another. And since optical calcite can be used to create optical illusions, you might ask why it isn’t used in such settings more often. Well, optical calcite can also be used in such a way as to make it “ideal for lighting needs in many industries,” as my source puts it. That’s “my source” as in “sources of information.” So, now you know a little bit about optical calcite.
Optical Calcite in Arkansas
Arkansas houses some of the finest optical calcite deposits found anywhere in the world. What makes Arkansas’s optical calcite unique is that it is remarkably clear and contains almost no inclusions or impurities—the very qualities that make it optically useful. Most of the calcite found within Arkansas’s deposits is typically found either lining quartz veins (rock formations where quartz crystals grow in other kinds of rock) or as standalone crystals. The color of the calcite can range anywhere from pure white to perfectly clear, with some specimens coming in shades of yellow, green, or even blue. The deposits of optical calcite in Arkansas are found in the Ouachita Mountains and have been actively mined since the early 1900s.
Bolivia as a Leading Source of Optical Calcite
Bolivia’s abundance of natural resources, especially its vast mineral deposits, makes the country a prime source of optical calcite. Cerro Rico near Potosi is one of the main mining sites for the mineral, although other parts of Bolivia, including the Andes, also contain deposits. The United States Geological Survey reports that Bolivia is the world’s leading producer of high-quality optical calcite, with the bulk of the best specimens coming from the Andes.
Spiritual and Healing Properties of Optical Calcite
Unique spiritual energy makes optical calcite an extraordinary crystal. For countless ages, it has been used not only as a prop for spiritual growth but also as a means to effect healing of a person’s spirit. The energy of optical calcite, or what some might call “spiritual power,” helps open and clear the third eye of a person in tune with such abilities. Indeed, the crystal optics seen when gazing through a piece of optical calcite may aid in utilizing the third eye. That “spiritual growth” paragraph might need some “deconstruction” for my dissertation, but I feel ready to tackle it.
Optical Calcite for Protection and Purification
Optical calcite is a strong crystal to use for protection and purification, making it an excellent conduit for clearing negative energy from one’s person and surroundings. Because of this quality, being in the presence of optical calcite—using it, holding it, or working with it in some other way—makes one a lot more open to receiving information from the spirit world. When one opens oneself this way to the spiritual realm, one is also vulnerable to negative entities; thus, the protection quality of optical calcite makes it a lot safer to work with when attempting to commune with spirits. In addition, calcite in general is the astrological sign of Pisces.
Healing Properties of Optical Calcite
This stone is frequently employed for healing, as it aids in opening the crown chakra and forming a more profound connection with the divine. It is also thought to help in clearing the mind, better enabling one to reach heightened states of awareness and intuition.
Some also believe it can be used to remedy an assortment of physical problems, which include severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and digestive issues. Optical calcite is thought to assist in boosting the immune system and help the body fend off illness. This special form of calcite is believed to be especially helpful in cases of chronic fatigue and depression. Some have even gone so far as to say that it can help improve one’s mood and energy level.
Comparison of Optical Calcite and Clear Quartz
Another use of calcite is to lessen stress and anxiety and to enhance the state of relaxation. Let’s compare optical calcite with clear quartz. Optical calcite and clear quartz are strikingly beautiful minerals with a penny’s worth of difference in value. Their worth lies in their use and beauty. Optical calcite has interesting properties. It is translucent, not transparent, meaning light can, with some difficulty, pass through it, but it does not readily throw back the light that strikes it, as clear quartz does.
Conversely, clear quartz is a crystal of transparency celebrated for its capacity to magnify energy! Both of these minerals are excellent for esoteric and mystical purposes, but optical calcite is the unequivocal champ when it comes to good times!
Optical Calcite Compared to Selenite
Two very intriguing minerals that have been extensively used and examined for hundreds of years are optical calcite and selenite.
Although both originated from the sedimentary deposits of long-gone oceans, many distinctions set them apart. Optical calcite is a clear crystal often employed as a polarizing filter, such as those found (or once found, anyway) in the path of light in cameras or used to enhance images seen through a microscope. Selenite is not that. It is more brittle and less translucent. If Selenite formed under the same conditions as did a slab or crystal of optical calcite, then it has a far different history and arrangement of atoms.
Selenite amplifies energy and is often employed in healing and meditation practices. Though both selenite and calcite are stunning to behold, their properties and uses are nearly opposite. Next, we’ll explore the different types of optical calcite, including both raw and polished optical calcite.
Types of Optical Calcite: Raw and Polished Forms
In its natural state, optical calcite is a crystalline rock that is colorless and transparent, but it is not found in volcanoes or igneous rock. All crystallized calcite is the result of metamorphic conditions or sedimentary deposition. Optical calcite has a low Mohs hardness of 3, which means it can be easily cut and ground. It is mostly found in large blocks or slabs, but in Helio’s case, optical calcite powder is used to grind off the backs of some mirrors to a slightly concave shape.
The colors and patterns of optical calcite are extraordinarily diverse. They range from white, yellow, and green to blue. If you want to make a project or just want to use something stunningly beautiful, raw optical calcite is an exceptional choice. Polished optical calcite is even better. It is a cut, clear, and smooth version of the raw materials, and it can be used to create a unique project.
The Diverse Colors and Patterns of Optical Calcite
The colors and patterns of optical calcite are extraordinarily diverse. They range from white, yellow, and green to blue. If you want to make a project or just want to use something stunningly beautiful, raw optical calcite is an exceptional choice. Polished optical calcite is even better. It is a cut, clear, and smooth version of the raw materials, and it can be used to create a unique project.
Enhancing Optical Calcite’s Performance Through Polishing
The optical performance of a crystal can be increased and the ease of working with it can be enhanced in a few different ways. One of these is by simply grinding and polishing the crystal, making the surface as flat and as smooth as can be. This process, which sounds simple enough, is in fact quite delicate and capable of ruining perfectly good optical calcite if not done with the appropriate care and finesse. In this respect, practicing on the cleavage pieces that come from the rough optical calcite is an absolute must.
Exploring the Vibrant Colors of Optical Calcite
Optical Calcite Colors Next, we’ll explore all the colors of the optical calcite rainbow! Yes, there are quite a few, including pink, yellow, orange, golden, and colorless. Optical calcite, in all its forms, is certainly not lacking in stunning visuals. And the aforementioned colors, just and most of them, have ample showpieces throughout the world. Clear Optical Calcite Clear optical calcite is certainly not lacking in stunning visuals. And the colors mentioned above have ample showpieces throughout the world.
The Global Adoration for Optical Calcite
It is easy to see why this beautiful stone is adored by so many people, from the dry deserts of Mexico to the scenic jungles of Myanmar. Its incredible pink color and glittering shine have made it an almost ubiquitous selection for jewelry and ornamental objects. And for a collector of rare gemstones, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t one of the coolest pieces to have as part of your personal trove.
The Symbolic Meaning of Pink Optical Calcite
Be it purchased or foraged, the beauty of this stone is bound to leave an impression. Pink optical calcite carries a meaning of peace and happiness. This is because people believe it helps to clear away the mental fog that sometimes keeps us from thinking clearly and that helps us with the kind of mental tasks that require a good bit of clarity to accomplish.
The Spiritual Properties of Pink Optical Calcite
They also say it activates the heart chakra, allowing the wearer to love genuinely and unconditionally. It is a powerful amplifier of energy, which we all know is great for manifesting and attracting the abundance we desire in our lives. If you’re looking to add a little extra positivity to your life, then optical calcite is a wonderful crystal to work with!
The Unique Characteristics of Yellow Optical Calcite
Yellow optical calcite contains a peculiar kind of crystalline material with a unique visual characteristic. It doubles the light that passes through it, a property that makes it useful in all sorts of optical projects.
The Optical Applications of Quartz vs. Calcite
Doubling the light beam makes it suitable for numerous optical applications. Its color lends additional appeal—although true aficionados know that pure, colorless, and flawless quartz is best. For light separation into various component parts, however, no crystal except quartz will do. And that is why quartz is ubiquitous in optical instruments, from the prism used by a child to part the colors of sunlight to the infrared detectors used in high-energy physics.
The Enchanting Uniform Hue of Orange Optical Calcite
Bright and beautiful, orange optical calcite is a stone that is often found in the United States and Mexico. What makes it so captivating is not just its hue, but the fact that the hue is completely uniform from any angle that one may look at the stone. “Switching” is the term that is used to describe the interaction of light with the stone that gives it an effect similar to that of mascara, and that, along with the stone’s size, makes the specimen in Figure 6.4 one that is completely enrapturing. The hue of the stone is due to the presence of iron and manganese, and the evenness of the hue—known as “homogeneity” in gemological terms—makes this specimen particularly valuable.
The Golden Glow of Optical Calcite
Golden optical calcite is a type of stone found in various geological locales, most notably on the Greek island of Serifos. This rich variety of optical calcite is crystallized calcium carbonate, and it’s not the chemistry of this stone that makes it golden; it’s the iron within that gives the stone such a bright hue. Golden optical calcite is a lovely stone to have; it’s purported to be good for your mental clarity and even your creativity. On top of that, it’s said to be an excellent stress reliever, beneficial to your immune system, and even a great pick-me-up when you’re feeling sluggish.
The Transparency and Mining of Clear Optical Calcite
This is the original of optical calcite! The most famous form of calcite is transparent. It is naturally colorless and clear. It is typically located in sedimentary rocks, like limestone and marble. You can also find it in hydrothermal veins, where the dissolved minerals were re-deposited in a new space. Clear optical calcite is usually surface mined, which means that overburden is first removed, then a pit is excavated in order to get to the optical calcite, which is then pulled out of the pit. It is just as likely, though, that you would find optical calcite if you were tunnel mining in the rock. In either case, once the optical calcite has been dug out of the rock, it is processed into the desired shape and size.
The Spiritual and Metaphysical Uses of Optical Calcite
For centuries, this stone has served to clear and clarify vision. It is said to possess the talent of helping a person better focus and tune in to their inner knowing, making it ideal for meditation and all manner of spiritual work. Nonetheless, it is also known for assisting one in manifesting and bringing forth one’s goals and dreams. It can help cut through negative energy and blockages, making a path for clarity and focus. And it can certainly be used for heightened spiritual awareness, making it easy to see the bigger picture while remaining grounded.
Optical Calcite: A Perfect Gemstone for Jewelry
Optical calcite is ideal for crafting exceptional jewelry. Somehow, it is hard yet fragile, and that makes it undelicate but beautiful in all forms—not to mention that its colors vary from nearly colorless to pastel shades of yellow, gray, and pink. Such stunning pieces of calcite jewelry are perfect candidates for statement accessories because they captivate attention without even trying. You can wear a piece of optical calcite jewel and still have the light capture and refract off it as brilliantly as though it were a dull moment of its optical life.
The Versatile Uses of Optical Calcite in Art and Science
In the next section, we’ll look at the many other kinds of uses for optical calcite that don’t involve being made into jewelry. These uses include optical calcite cubes and optical calcite beads. Optical calcite cubes are a serious optical science fascination. They bend and refract light in an almost miraculous way. When you set one in a direct beam and watch the light go through, it’s almost as if you’re looking at something caught in primal forces of nature, as two beams of split light shoot off in either direction to make a perfect night of rainbows that any child (or adult) would gaze at in wonder. They’re perfect for working optical calcite into a science lesson or just using as a pretty decoration and conversation piece, with a side of educational utility.
The Unique Light Properties of Optical Calcite Beads
Jewelry, art, or room decor—there’s pretty much nothing these beads can’t do. They come in a cornucopia of sizes and shapes, and they’re considerably more interesting than the average decorative orb. The reason is that light behaves differently when it interacts with them. Rather than going straight through, as it does with most beads, light entering an optical calcite bead splits into two separate, slightly angled beams that emerging audiences interpret as color. So, you’re more likely to get a dazzling effect with these beads than with others—they’re basically the sun-catcher of the bead world.
The Step-by-Step Process of Polishing Optical Calcite
Begin the process of smoothing and shaping calcite by using a coarse abrasive. Coarse abrasives will remove any rough spots and will take the material from its natural state down toward the desired shape. After you have worked the calcite with a coarse abrasive, switch to a medium abrasive. Again, work the medium abrasive until you are satisfied with the shape and smoothness of the surface. After reaching this stage, switch to a fine abrasive. A fine abrasive will smooth the surface even more and will take it to the next level in the polishing process. After using the fine abrasive, you should not see any evident scratches, and the surface should seem ready for an actual polishing compound. To do the polishing, use a compound and a soft cloth. This should bring out the shine and luster of the calcite. To achieve an even better finish, use a soft cloth on a buffing wheel and a polishing paste.
Proper Cleaning Methods for Optical Calcite
Cleaning optical calcite can be achieved with a few common household items. The allowed method is as follows. First, warm water is the best choice for rinsing the crystal, yet the temperature should not exceed what is comfortable for the human hand. The next choice involves a soft bristle brush or cloth. The items used for rinsing should not impart any significant force onto the crystal so as to avoid chipping or cracking. After rinsing, the next step involves making a choice between a simple solution of water and a small amount of biodegradable dish detergent or just sticking with warm water. However, if one goes the low-sudsing, biodegradable route, it is vital to follow the next instructions to clean the crystal without leaving a soap residue.
Final Steps to Care for Optical Calcite
Once more, ensure that you wash the crystal thoroughly with warm water. When it is absolutely clean, dry it with a cloth that is either soft or made of paper. If you have invested time in washing the crystal, do not skimp in drying it; as with so many things, it is best to give an optical calcite crystal a little tender loving care when it comes to cleaning. With the crystal clean and dry, you are now ready to use it. Still needless to say, the first step in using the crystal, in filter or polarizer form, is to have the crystal absolutely clean and dry.
Using Optical Calcite for Filters and Polarizers
After the crystal dries, you will need to set it down on a flat surface, and you will need to apply pressure to the crystal to get it to flatten out. Once the crystal has been flattened, you are in business to use it to make optical filters and polarizers. For the next part of the process, you should place the calcite between two pieces of glass and properly align the pieces of glass so that the light will hit the calcite and become polarized. After that, it is a matter of adjusting the angle of the two pieces of glass with the daylight hitting the calcite to control the degree of polarization the light undergoes as it passes from one piece of glass to the other.
Where to Find Optical Calcite for Purchase
If you want to purchase optical calcite online, just type the words “optical calcite wiki” into your favorite search engine, and you will be presented with an almost overwhelming number of online choices. They will offer you optical calcite for sale, and you might be tempted to think that you have stumbled upon a cheap and plentiful mineral. Indeed, optical calcite can be found in a variety of settings if you know where to look, from online shops and mineral dealers to rock shops and even antique stores. But once you start looking closer, the range of prices for this supposedly affordable piece of “Iceland spar” (as it’s also known) can be eye-opening.
The Accessibility of Optical Calcite in Retail and Auctions
Optical calcite is a semiprecious stone that’s commonly used for a number of daily applications, which might be what makes it relatively easy to find at various retail outlets. Home goods stores, for instance, sometimes have optical calcite in stock, and it will often be found at craft fairs, too. If you’re in the market for some of your own, consider browsing auction websites where optical calcite is likely to pop up. The stone’s beauty should be enough to keep you searching, but its versatility in applications from photography to astronomy might be all the reason you need.