Honeycomb Calcite© is a beautiful and impressive form of calcite mined exclusively in the State of Utah. Honeycomb Calcite©, much like onyx and marble (in general characteristics) can provide a colorful replacement or dramatic accent stone for architectural and artistic applications. The name "Honeycomb Calcite©" comes from the remarkable honeycomb appearance when viewing a polished surface. The "honeycomb look" is formed by the growth of long fibrous or tubular cells and crystals of honey yellow calcite outlined by white membranes surrounding each cell. These cells grow in needle like bundles. This "bundling" adds strength and stability to the stone enabling larger pieces to be mined and processed.

Characteristics that set this stone apart from other forms of calcite are its color, patterns, translucency, transparency, its ability to accept a high polish and the fact it does not fade as readily in sunlight as other forms of calcite (but if left in direct sunlight it will eventually loose its color and fade, therefore it is not recommended) . The color ranges from a soft, pale sunshine lemon yellow to a deep rich honey golden amber depending upon the thickness of the stone. The coloring of the stone is attributed to iron deposits at the time of formation. The patterns change depending upon the point of origin of the cell growth - ranging from a tight "honey sugar" look of small hexagonal cells grouped close together to large cell areas that give the appearance of "petrified honey" where cells are at their maximum growth and minimum cell walls appear.

All of the stone is transparent and translucent offering a luminous glow when accentuated by artificial, direct or indirect lighting. Honeycomb Calcite© is ideal for cutting, polishing or any decorative stone application. We have tested the stone to find it does not fluoresce. It is not recommended that the calcite be left in direct sunlight for an extended period of time. No two pieces are alike!