Comparison · Minerals vs Sedimentary Rocks
Calcite vs Travertine
Calcite and Travertine are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Calcite and Travertine
- Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Calcite is transparent, Travertine is Opaque, translucent in thin layers.
Calcite vs Travertine properties
| Property | Calcite | Travertine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Sedimentary Rocks |
| Mohs hardness | 3 | 3–4 |
| Luster | vitreous | Vitreous to dull, sometimes pearly |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | Opaque, translucent in thin layers |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 | 2.4–2.7 |
| Crystal system | trigonal | — |
| Common colors | Colorless, White, Yellow, Orange, Blue, Green, Pink | White, Cream, Tan, Beige, Banded brown |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$100+ | $1–$75+ |
Which is more valuable?
Calcite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15 against $10 for Travertine, and premium Calcite can reach $100 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 Travertine
Travertine is a dense, banded sedimentary rock formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich spring water, often at hot springs or along streams fed by limestone aquifers. Unlike most limestone, which forms slowly on ocean floors, travertine can build up quickly around a spring's mouth as dissolved carbon dioxide escapes the water and calcite drops out of solution. Its layered, sometimes porous texture makes it a distinctive and widely used building stone.
Calcite vs Travertine FAQ
Is Calcite the same as Travertine?
No. Calcite is a mineral while Travertine is a sedimentary rock. Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Calcite from Travertine?
Both sit near Mohs 3, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Calcite is transparent, Travertine is Opaque, translucent in thin layers.
Which is harder, Calcite or Travertine?
Travertine is harder: Mohs 3–4 against Mohs 3 for Calcite.
Which is more valuable, Calcite or Travertine?
Calcite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $15 against $10 for Travertine, and premium Calcite can reach $100 or more.
