Where And How To Easily Find Calcite – A Complete Guide

An elegant raw calcite specimen with spiky crystals

Calcite photo provided by Weinrich Minerals

Calcite, a carbonate mineral predominantly composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), is fascinating and abundant. Geologists, collectors, and fans worldwide are interested in it because it has unique features like double refraction and many different crystalline forms. But it’s not enough to know where to look for calcite; you also need to know about its different … Read more

The Common And Valuable Rocks, Minerals, and Gems of Illinois You Should Know In 2026

Spectacular red fluorite on smoky quartz

Fluorite photo provided by @finemineralphotography and Watzl Anton's collection

Illinois is certainly much more than cornfields and cities. It’s a geological wonderland filled with beautiful rocks, stunning minerals, precious gems, and radiant crystals. From the breathtaking limestone bluffs at Starved Rock State Park to the hidden geodes along the shores of the Mississippi River, there are hidden treasures here! In the heart of Hardin … Read more