Wcomp-23

Ember Grant

Extremely popular among collectors, calcite doesn’t always get the attention it deserves on the metaphysical scene. But if you practice crystal magic, you need to have several pieces of calcite in your collection. Calcite is essential and practical; it’s found nearly everywhere on Earth—and it’s gorgeous.

Calcium. We’ve all heard of it. It’s the most abundant mineral in the human body—stored in our bones, as you probably know, and essential for many bodily processes and functions. In geological terms, calcite is a mineral—the crystallized form of calcium carbonate (there are other calcium carbonate minerals, such as aragonite); typically, the word calcium refers to the chemical element. The name calcite comes from the German calcit, which has origins in the Latin clax and the Greek word chalix, which means “lime.” This is because limestone is a rock composed of calcite and aragonite (in addition to the skeletal fragments of marine organisms). In addition, marble also contains calcite.

As an introduction to calcite, first we’ll explore some of the variety that makes this mineral so appealing. Calcite can form hundreds of different crystal shapes and can be found in over a thousand rock combinations. This is one reason that it’s so popular with mineral collectors. Although calcite is colorless or white in its pure form, gorgeous colors occur when other minerals blend with it during formation. In fact, nearly every color is possible. It can even be fluorescent and phosphorescent. Banded varieties can be found and are sometimes sold incorrectly as “onyx.” A more accurate name for this particular stone is “Mexican onyx” or “limestone onyx”—genuine onyx is quartz and is colored black or black and white, and is a bit more valuable.

In recent years, a type called honeycomb calcite has been mined in Utah. It’s yellow to orange in color and displays veined patterns that often resemble a honeycomb. It has a translucent quality with a beautiful golden glow. It’s also referred to as honeycomb or amber onyx (and a variety of similar names). It’s a versatile stone that is being used in many decorative and creative ways, from jewelry to countertops. It makes especially lovely candleholders.

If you’ve ever visited a cave, you also know calcite as the main mineral in some truly breathtaking cave formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites. And then there’s travertine—those amazing “flows” of stone called travertine terraces (limestone containing calcium carbonate) are found famously in Yellowstone National Park and other locations around the world. These are created by hot water rising through the limestone carrying the dissolved calcium carbonate. The carbon dioxide is released, the calcium deposits are left behind, and the stone “grows,” like those cave formations, but above the earth instead of inside it. Travertine can also occur in other areas, and not just around hot springs.

One notable formation of calcite is called Iceland spar (also called optical calcite). This type is known for its feature of double refraction. When a transparent piece is placed over written text, for example, the image is doubled.

Additionally, Picasso stone, a type of marble with a “painted” appearance, is an excellent choice and is often carved into cabochons for jewelry. Marble carvings are an excellent and inexpensive way to add calcite to your collection.

On an industrial scale, the importance of calcite cannot be overstated. It’s the base component of cement, and many other materials are made using calcite, including chalk, paint, fertilizers, rubber, and abrasive cleansers. Marble and travertine have both been used throughout history in buildings and sculptures.

But what makes this mineral truly remarkable is its function in the human body. Aside from calcium’s role in our teeth and bones, did you know that calcite crystals control our balance? There are pebbles of calcium carbonate inside a fluid in the inner ear (and in all vertebrates, in fact); when we move our heads, these little crystals signal the brain and guide us, basically helping us sense the directions of up and down. The loosening of these stones is sometimes responsible for the condition of vertigo—feeling dizzy and lacking a sense of direction.

Another interesting aspect of calcium in the human body is its presence in the pineal gland. This tiny gland in the brain produces melatonin and is the only gland in the body that converts serotonin into melatonin. It has been discovered that, similar to the crystals in the inner ear, there are microcrystals in this gland that contain calcium, carbon, and oxygen. Many scientific studies are being conducted on this area of the brain and its response to electromagnetic energy. It is believed that these crystals have a type of piezoelectric effect similar to quartz.

And because it neutralizes acid, calcium is used in antacids to relieve heartburn and indigestion. All this should simply add to our appreciation of this wonderful mineral.

Metaphysical Properties of Calcite

So how can you use calcite in magic? Its metaphysical properties are as diverse as its other uses. Calcite has a trigonal structure (which is a subdivision of hexagonal). Metaphysically, this means it has balancing properties. Other general metaphysical properties of calcite include amplifying energy (especially white and red) and promoting comfort and healing (blue). It’s good for memory and educational pursuits, specifically when studying the arts and sciences (yellow is the best choice in this case), and it enhances one’s appreciation of nature (green variety). Since Iceland spar has the special quality of double refraction, it’s often used for issues of duality and double meanings—specifically to clarify communication or help see other perspectives.

Marble can add clarity to meditation practice and aid dream recall. It can guide you to a state of stability and serenity. Marble is also a good “common sense” stone; it offers balance and protection, especially concerning the home environment. Picasso stone is especially useful for those engaged in the creative arts.

Since calcite is found literally in a rainbow of colors, there’s a corresponding shade to use for clearing and activating each of the chakras. Clear or white calcite is appropriate for all of them, but clear is especially good for the crown chakra. And because of calcium’s association with bones, many metaphysical healers use it to facilitate the healing of bone disorders.

For your collection, try to obtain at least one piece of Iceland spar, a mass of white calcite (or crystal mass), at least one well-formed crystal (or cluster), and as many colors as you can—especially red or pink, blue, green, and yellow. This will cover a wide range of magical purposes. Whether rough pieces or tumbled, most calcite has a “soft” feeling—smooth to the touch, with a waxy, satiny quality.

Using Calcite in Crystal Magic

Here are some specific techniques for using calcite in your crystal magic practice.

Keep a piece of yellow calcite on your desk or other work space. I like to use honeycomb calcite for this. I have a piece cut into a candleholder, which highlights the golden glow. You can simply light a candle (or use battery or electric lights) behind a thin slice of the stone to create the same effect. The glow is warm and soothing. In fact, I also have a tealight candleholder carved from golden calcite, and it’s an excellent choice for this purpose as well. Allow the light to be your inspiration and guide you in reaching your intellectual goals.

Try holding a piece of Iceland spar while you meditate on clarity and issues of communication. It can help you see both sides of an issue or understand how to navigate when you’re receiving confusing or mixed signals.

I have two small marble spheres, one solid white and one black with white veins. The black-and-white one is surprisingly useful for scrying; I often use the white one on my altar to symbolize the full moon. These spheres also display a delightfully subtle shimmer in candlelight.

Like quartz, calcite is common and affordable. You can find masses and crystals at gem and mineral shows, often for very reasonable prices. Just this year, I obtained two very large garden stones with calcite crystals for around ten dollars each. Granted, these are somewhat rough pieces, but they are still beautiful. Even large, well-formed pieces with impressive crystals can be purchased for around twenty dollars or less, although, naturally, you can expect to pay more for particularly striking specimens.

Calcite is a stone that can help us foster a sense of community with those around us and with our world. We have it in our bodies; it’s found in nature. We are intimately connected with the universe, and calcite can help remind us of that.

Sources

Aubrey, Allison. “Inner Ear ‘Rock Slides’ Lead to Vertigo.” National Public Radio (April 27, 2009). www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103463398.

“Crystals of Your Body.” Crystales. https://cristales.fundaciondescubre.es/?page_id=2151.

Edwards, Debbie. “The Piezoelectric Effect and the Pineal Gland in the Human Brain.” Knoji (Jan. 10, 2012). https://physics.knoji.com/the-piezoelectric-effect-and-the-pineal-gland-in-the-human-brain.

Additional Information About Calcite

Galleries.com (Amethyst Galleries)

Geology.com

Minerals.net

Ember Grant has been writing for the Llewellyn annuals since 2003 and is the author of three books and more than fifty articles. Her most recent book is The Second Book of Crystal Spells. She also sells handmade crafts and enjoys nature photography. Visit her online at EmberGrant.com.

Illustrator: Kathleen Edwards

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