Calcite vs Wollastonite

Property Calcite Wollastonite
Formül CaCO3 CaSiO3
Kristal Sistemi Trigonal Triclinic
Mineral Sınıfı 05 Carbonates and Nitrates 09 Silicates
Mohs Sertliği 3.0 4.5-5.0
Renk Colorless, white, yellow, orange, blue, green White, gray, very pale green
Parlaklık Vitreous Vitreous
Çizgi Rengi White White
Şeffaflık Transparent Translucent
Dilimlenme Perfect rhombohedral {1011} Perfect {100}
Kırılma Conchoidal Uneven

Key Differences

  • Wollastonite (CaSiO3) is formed by metamorphic reaction of calcite with quartz: CaCO3 + SiO2 → CaSiO3 + CO2.
  • Wollastonite does not react with HCl; calcite effervesces vigorously.
  • Wollastonite (hardness 4.5–5) is harder than calcite (hardness 3).
  • Wollastonite is white to pale gray with vitreous to silky luster; calcite is highly variable in color.
  • Wollastonite is industrially used as a ceramic filler; calcite is used in lime production.

Related Comparisons

← All Comparisons