Full Guide To Calcite vs. Quartz (This Is The Difference)
In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as calcite and quartz it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here. In short;
Calcite is much softer than quartz with a 3 and 7 on the Mohs scale respectively, which means they require different care. Both come in various different colors, such as blue, yellow, pink and colorless. Quartz and calcite are both commonly available. The metaphysical properties heavily depend on the type of calcite and quartz you use.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
Also read: Celestite vs. Blue Calcite: What’s the Difference?
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Calcite vs Quartz – How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical Composition
Calcite belongs to the carbonate group of minerals, while quartz is a silicate. Calcite is a calcium carbonate that contains oxygen, carbon, and calcium atoms within the structure. It is formed as a result of precipitation on ground/surface waters.
On the other hand, quartz is a silicon dioxide that contains one-part silicon and two parts oxygen atoms in its composition. The chemical composition of a quartz mineral makes it the second most abundant mineral, after feldspar.
Color
Both crystals come in several colors as well as white and colorless. Calcite is available in green, gray, black, yellow, orange, and pink, whereas quartz often comes in purple, pink, yellow, brown, black, and gray.
Also read: Celestite vs. Angelite: What’s the Difference?
Pattern and Clarity
Calcite and quartz can both either be transparent or translucent in clarity and each has a vitreous luster. This simply means that they resemble glass, and is one of the most commonly seen lusters in crystals. Calcite, however, may sometimes look a little more waxy or dull than quartz.
A good way to determine which stone you have is to pulverize a small part of it. If the powder (a.k.a. streak) is white, the stone is likely calcite. If the streak is colorless, it is likely quartz.
Hardness
Calcite is a much softer stone compared to quartz. Quartz rates 7, while calcite rates 3 in hardness on the Mohs scale.
If you’re unfamiliar, the Mohs scale of hardness determines a stone’s hardness by measuring how scratch-resistant it is. According to this scale, a stone can scratch any other mineral with a lower score. For reference, talc is a 1, whereas diamond is a 10.
Because of their rating, quartz is able to easily scratch calcite, but it doesn’t work the other way around. As a result, quartz is a more durable crystal for use compared to calcite. However, care when handling either should be taken despite their hardness.
Location
Calcites and Quartz crystals are abundant minerals in many geological environments owing to their process of formation.
Some places calcite is found are Germany, Brazil, and Namibia. Quartz can be found in notable locations like Madagascar, Japan, and Brazil.
Care
Calcite is a soft and fragile stone. Care should be taken when cleaning and handling this stone. Because of its softness water should be avoided when cleaning. The best way to clean it is therefore taking a soft cloth and rubbing it on the stone.
Some effective methods of energetically cleansing the stone include moonlight. Let the stone sit in the light of the full moon overnight. Calcite can also cleanse when submerged in a bowl of brown rice for 48 hours. Brown rice is effective in clearing negative energies accumulated on the stone. Salt-based cleansing methods should be avoided when cleansing calcite because it damages the stone.
Quartz can be cleansed and recharged with moonlight or by burying it on the ground for a day. The crystal can also be cleaned by soaking in salty water or using rainwater. Quartz may also be left in the company of cleansing crystals for cleansing and recharge as well.
Also read: Amethyst and Rose Quartz – Combination for Anxiety and Love
Properties
Both calcite and quartz are widely used as a result of their properties and availability. Below we’ll have a look at the different healing properties of each stone, as well as how they are used in feng shui practices.
Beware that crystals are never a replacement for professional medical help. If you have any issues, see a doctor first.
Healing Properties
Let’s start with calcite, which is a great physical and spiritual healer. It can help in detoxing the organs, especially the liver and kidneys. The stone also aids the body in calcium absorption and treatment of bone-related conditions. Calcite is an immunity boost and good for proper blood circulation.
On a spiritual level, calcite is a cleansing stone believed to clear energy blockages within the body and mind. Calcite is reliable when you are seeking mental clarity and purpose in life. The stone will also unlock your psychic abilities.
Quartz crystals are powerful and are also widely used in crystal healing practices. Clear quartz in particular is known as a master healer because of its ability to amplify energies close to it. These crystals are good at eliminating negative energies and protecting from electromagnetic pollution in our environment.
Clear quartz will bring healing on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level. The quartz stone will improve memory, psychic abilities, and concentration, and align all chakras.
Again, the exact properties depend entirely on what type of quartz and calcite you have. Have a look at the menu to find more information on each crystal.
Feng Shui
In Feng shui, calcite and quartz are used to activate different elements depending on the color of the stone. Each element brings specific energies and qualities. Place the calcite stones in correspondence to color and your intention.
The five elements include wood, metal, fire, earth, and water elements.
- The wood element is represented by blue and green colors. The element signifies growth and new beginnings.
- The water element is represented by black and is the element that cultivates intuition, knowledge, and social interactions.
- The metal element is represented by gray or white. This element invites happiness and beauty.
- The earth element is represented by orange and yellow. The element is connected to grounding and stability.
- The fire element is represented by red and is associated with inspiration and passion.
For example, clear quartz invites the metal element in Feng shui, bringing focus and happiness to your life. Quartz used for this purpose should be charged and programmed with this intention and then placed in a meaningful area of the home.
Zodiac Association
Calcite is assigned to the people born under the Cancer zodiac sign. These people are often kind and sensitive towards others. Calcite helps them adapt to situations without letting their feelings get in the way. The stone also helps them to process and let go of feelings that may be holding them back.
Quartz is associated with several zodiac signs, depending on their color. In general, aries can use quartz to balance its energies and bring some calmness, especially when making decisions. Aries is an action-oriented zodiac sign. On the flip side, the zodiac is likely to make rash decisions without thinking it through. Quartz will help this sign to make better decisions and benefit from them.
Quartz stones, especially rose quartz, are also beneficial to Taurus. The stone will help Taurus embrace flexibility and get rid of their perfectionist nature. This way the zodiac can build better relations and find comfort in themselves.
Again, we recommend you find your stone (rose quartz, blue calcite etc.) in our menu, to find more information about that stone and its associations.
Also read: The Complete Guide To Clear Quartz And The Zodiac Signs
Chakra Association
Calcite and quartz are associated with several chakras depending on their color. A chakra is an energy point in the body, relating to the different aspects in our lives. They are each represented by a different color. You can match your stone to any of these colors to determine the chakra. The 7 main chakras of the body are:
- Root chakra is also known as the Muladhara. This chakra is represented by red, but dark-colored stones match well too, and is located at the end of the spine. The chakra represents our survival needs and rootedness.
- Sacral Chakra is also known as the Svadihsthana. The chakra is located above the tailbone and is represented by orange. The sacral chakra governs pleasure and sexuality.
- Solar plexus chakra is also known as the Manipura. The chakra is located in the navel area and is represented by yellow. This chakra represents self-confidence and willpower.
- Heart chakra is also known as the Anahata. This chakra is located near the heart and is represented by green and pink colors. The heart chakra represents empathy, compassion, love, and acceptance.
- Throat chakra is also known as the Vishuddha. The chakra is located in the throat area and is represented by the color blue. The throat chakra governs communication, expression, and truth.
- The third eye chakra is also known as the Ajna. This chakra is located between the eyes and is represented by purple. The third eye chakra governs wisdom, imagination, and psychic abilities.
- The crown chakra is also known as the Sahasrara. The chakra is the only chakra located outside the physical body at the topmost part of the head. This chakra governs spirituality and higher consciousness. The crown chakra is represented by white, clear, or indigo.
Element Association
Calcites are generally associated with the earth element. The earth element is responsible for security, stability, growth, and fertility. Crystals of this element can be used to manifest prosperity, abundance, and new beginnings.
Quartz on the other hand is generally associated with the fire element. This element is associated with power, light, purity, protection, and cleansing abilities. Fire element crystals are also used in destruction and rebuilding. For example, when trying to break negative old patterns and habits and begin new healthy ones.
Again, the color of your stone also influences the associated element.
Also read: What Element Is Smoky Quartz?
Numerical vibration
Calcite generally vibrates at the frequency of 8. This number represents wealth, success, and authority. Number 8 is associated with feminine energies that are believed to transfer the power and strength to achieve your goals in life. The number also has negative energies like anger that manifests through it. Using crystals like calcite will help accept and turn the negative traits into more positive ones.
The different types of quartz all vibrate at different frequencies. For clear quartz, this is 4. This number represents responsibility, reliability, strength, and stability. People who resonate with this number are rooted and believe in conforming to what is right and the obvious way of approaching life. Crystals like clear quartz will help them take risks and get out of their comfort zones.
Planetary Association
The ruling planets of both are dependent on color. White calcite is ruled by the planet of Venus, which governs our feelings and value toward material possession and love. Venus represents charm, beauty, and pleasure as well. Venus also rules Taurus and Libra.
Clear quartz is governed by the sun. The sun as a ruling planet is considered the source of life and happiness. In astrology, the sun is used to represent power, authority, and the soul. The sun’s energies include immunity, willpower, creativity, and confidence.
Other types of quartz are ruled by various different planets. Some examples:
- Rose quartz; Venus.
- Amethyst; Jupiter
- Citrine; Sun
- Smoky quartz; Saturn
- Tiger’s eye; Sun
Best Combinations
Calcite combined with higher vibration chakra stones like selenite and tanzanite is good for meditation.
Calcite paired with quartz stones is a good combination in crystal healing therapy practices.
Clear quartz paired with amethyst unlocks and enhances intuition and psychic abilities.
Clear quartz can be paired with black tourmaline during meditation for healing and grounding energies.
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