Comparison · Minerals vs Native Elements
Calcite vs Sulfur
Calcite and Sulfur are easy to confuse. Calcite is harder (Mohs 3) than Sulfur (Mohs 2), so Calcite will scratch Sulfur and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Calcite and Sulfur
- Calcite is harder (Mohs 3) than Sulfur (Mohs 2), so Calcite will scratch Sulfur and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
- Streak color differs: Calcite leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Sulfur leaves white to pale yellow.
- Luster is different: Calcite is vitreous while Sulfur is resinous.
- Calcite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 2.7 versus 2.07 for Sulfur).
- They overlap in yellow and green, but Calcite also comes in clear, orange, blue, and pink and Sulfur also comes in brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Calcite is trigonal, Sulfur is orthorhombic.
Calcite vs Sulfur properties
| Property | Calcite | Sulfur |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Native Elements |
| Mohs hardness | 3 | 2 |
| Luster | vitreous | resinous |
| Streak | White | White to pale yellow |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.07 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | orthorhombic |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green, Pink | Yellow, Bright yellow, Yellowish brown, Greenish yellow |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$100+ | $5–$250+ |
Which is more valuable?
Sulfur is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $15 for Calcite, and premium Sulfur can reach $250 or more.
About Calcite
Calcite is one of the most common minerals on Earth, found in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. It's the primary component of limestone and marble.
About Sulfur
Sulfur is a native element famous for its bright yellow color. It forms blocky to dipyramidal crystals and earthy crusts around volcanic vents, hot springs, and salt domes, and has a distinctive resinous luster.
Calcite vs Sulfur FAQ
Is Calcite the same as Sulfur?
No. Calcite is a mineral while Sulfur is a native element. Calcite is harder (Mohs 3) than Sulfur (Mohs 2), so Calcite will scratch Sulfur and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily.
How can you tell Calcite from Sulfur?
Calcite is harder (Mohs 3) than Sulfur (Mohs 2), so Calcite will scratch Sulfur and not the other way round. A fingernail (Mohs 2.5) scratches it easily. Streak color differs: Calcite leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Sulfur leaves white to pale yellow. Luster is different: Calcite is vitreous while Sulfur is resinous.
Which is harder, Calcite or Sulfur?
Calcite is harder: Mohs 3 against Mohs 2 for Sulfur.
Which is more valuable, Calcite or Sulfur?
Sulfur is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $15 for Calcite, and premium Sulfur can reach $250 or more.
