Density of Calcite: Specific Gravity and Mohs Hardness
The density of calcite is about 2.71 g/cm3, equal to a specific gravity of 2.71, with a Mohs hardness near 3. One cubic meter of solid calcite weighs roughly 2.71 tonnes.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.71 g/cm3 |
| Specific gravity | 2.71 |
| Mohs hardness | 3 |
| Mass of 1 m3 | about 2.71 tonnes |
Why it matters
The mineral of limestone and marble: soft enough to scratch with a knife, reactive to acid, and the reason carbonate reservoirs dissolve and cement. Mineral densities are the building blocks of rock density: weight them by volume fraction and the bulk rock number follows, which is exactly what the calculator below does.
Use these values
- Rock Density Calculator to combine mineral densities into rock density.
- Mohs Hardness Identification Tool to identify minerals by scratch test.
- The Property Library for every mineral, rock, and soil on this site.
Related Calculators and Reference
- Rock Density and Specific Gravity Calculator, for the conversion when your source quotes specific gravity and your spreadsheet wants density.
- Rock Density Calculator from Mineral Composition, for the step from individual mineral densities to a matrix and bulk density.
- Density of Quartz, for the neighbouring entry when you are working through an assemblage.
- Density of Olivine, for the mineral that usually sits alongside it in the same rock.
- USGS Mineral Resources Program, published mineral property data and commodity reports.