Iceland Spar - LG

Iceland Spar (Optical Calcite)

Item Size: Large 7/8 - 1 1/4" (20-30mm)


GENERAL INFORMATION

Mineral Class: Carbonates

Mineral Species: Calcium Carbonate - CaCO₃

Mineral Group: Calcite

Chemical Formula: CaCO₃

Composition:
56.0% - Calcium carbonate CaCO₃
44.0% - Calcium carbonite CaCO₂
Mn, Fe, and Mg may partially replace Ca

Environment: Every type of occurrence, and associated with all classes of rocks. IMA Status: Valid Species (Pre-IMA) 1845

Locality: Calcite is one of the most commonest of minerals. Transparent masses a foot (30 cm) through (Iceland--the original Iceland spar).

Name Origin: The first significant source of specimens was discovered in a mine in Eskifjord, Iceland, hence the derivation of the name.

Sources: Iceland, Sweden, England, Austria, Russia, Brazil, USA, Australia, and Mexico.


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Cleavage: Perfect

Color: Colorless

Crystal System: Rhombohedral – Trigonal

Density: 2.7

Diaphaniety: Transparent to translucent

Fracture: Conchoidal

Habit: Massive

Hardness: 3

Luminescence: Fluorescent and phosphorescent, Short UV=yellow, blue, red green, Long UV=yellow, blue, red green.

Luster: Vitreous to dull

Magnetism: Nonmagnetic

Specific Gravity: 2.7

Streak: White

When light passes through Iceland spar, it produces a double refraction; as a result of this property, it has been used to study the behavior of light, as well as in specialist optical instruments. Individual crystals can exceed 2 inches (45 cm).


METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Chakras: Third eye, All

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Element: Fire, Wind

Beneficial for: Cleansing, migraine, eyes, study, motivation, revitalization, stress, organs of elimination, dissolving calcification, skeleton, joints, intestinal conditions, skin, blood, tissue healing, immunity, growth, ulcers, warts, suppurating wounds.

Iceland spar amplifies images and assists in seeing reality in a new way. It elucidates the hidden meaning behind words, increases perception, and reminds you that you are a spiritual being on a human journey.