Calsilica
Calsilica
Published: June 2014
Modified: November 2023
Also called "rainbow calsilica," this is a man-made material that displays vibrant layers of bold color. It consists of a mixture of calcite, plastic and coloring pigments. This unique stone is often used in jewelry and carvings to show off its distinctive coloration.
General Information
Common Name
Calsilica
Species
Calsilica
Transparency
Opaque
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Variable
LWUV: Variable
LWUV: Variable
Pleochroism
None
Specific Gravity
1.880-1.920
Inclusions
Calsilica has multicolored stripes or layers of granular material. Occasionally bubbles plastic-like material or bubbles are seen between layers.
Cleavage
None
Chemical Name
calcium carbonate + dye and plastic
Chemical Formula
Ca(CO3)+dye and plastic
Crystal System
NA
Chemistry Classification
Carbonate
Calsilica Colors
-
Bi-color -
Blue -
Green -
Multi-color -
Orange -
Pink -
Purple -
Yellow
Alternate Names
Rainbow Calsilica
Countries of Origin
Unknown; China; Mexico
History
Calsilica is a man-made material that offers a world of color-bright options. It's often called "rainbow calsilica", because of the bands of bright color that shine in every stone. The cheery stones known as rainbow calsilica add vibrant color to any jewelry collection.
Care
Do not expose calsilica to steam or ultrasonic cleaners; avoid chemicals. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.