Desert Homestead Stone Products
[mineral] The honeycomb look is formed by the growth of long fibrous or crystal cells of honey-yellow calcite surrounded by white membranes making up the ‘cell’ boundary. The coloring of the stone is attributed to iron deposits at the time of formation. Characteristics that set this stone apart: Deep rich honey colored, yellowish-orange, or amber-like. Varying calcite crystal patterns; translucency; and its ability to accept a high degree of polish. It also forms as a marble which is defined as a calcitic metamorphic rock. Honeycomb calcite can be carved for gifts, made into spheres, cut into large slabs as decorative, or used architectural details.
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Mohs |
3-1/2 |
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Chemical Composition |
CaCO3 |
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Density |
170 lb/ft3 (min) |
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Specific Gravity |
2.6 - 2.8 |
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Compressive Strength |
7,841 lb/in2 (per ASTM C-170) |
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Modulus of Rupture |
1,011 lb/in2 (per ASTM C-99) |
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Cell Structure Color |
Honey, yellowish-orange |
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Localities |
This particular variety of calcite is found in northeastern Utah, USA |
Backlight slabs with a candle or a small electric light. Illuminate cored-cylinders with a small votive (tea-light) candle found in most drug stores, supermarkets, or craft stores. During the daytime, place the Honeycomb calcite to receive indirect light. As the light angle changes throughout the day, each cell in the Honeycomb Calcite will change illumination intensity, based on its degree of translucency. Experiment and enjoy.
1) Use caution and common sense when using candles (open-flame) to illuminate the stone. Keep candles away from drapes, carpet, books, and other flammable items.
2) Honeycomb Calcite will absorb the heat of a candle or light bulb and can get very hot !! Especially when a tea-light candle is placed in a cored-cylinder. If you need to move the stone after being heated by open-flame, use pot-holders or kitchen-mitts to hold the stone.
3) Honeycomb calcite is vulnerable to cracking during handling along the white chalky fault lines (or cracks) that run through the stone - so handle gently. When packing to move or to ship, place slabs or cored-cylinders upright and use generous amounts of bubble wrap or other suitable packing. Best to box the stone and then place in a larger box that is equally filled with packing.
Studies of long-term color fading in direct sunlight (Ultra-Violet (UV) damage), have not been conducted. Personal experience and observations over time show that the side of the stone facing direct sun (outside) will tend to whiten. Therefore, it is recommended not to place Honeycomb Calcite in direct 'outdoor' sunlight over a period of years unless a liquid UV protective sealer coating is applied to surface of stone.
Most modern home windows afford some degree of UV protection; therefore, stones placed on indoor window sills with indirect sunlight, should mitigate the effects of UV damage.
Why is there no 'shopping cart' to purchase stone from this site?
Due to the unique nature of Honeycomb Calcite (size, shape, cell pattern, color variation, inventory available, customization, etc.) , I have not placed 'shopping cart' type ordering on this web site. Please call or email me with what interests you about the stone, and I'll be able to customize an order for you that you'll be satisfied with.
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No. The stone does not become florescent under a black light.
Yes!
www.honeycombcalcite.com (The official Honeycomb Calcite Information website)
Cob Studio (Barton Santello's cob studio construction photo-weblog. Note: large slabs of Honeycomb Calcite will eventually be embedded in the walls of this building - Stay tuned!)
KatBamboo (Kyle Young's bamboo, natural building & sustainable living website)
DebraEve Unlimited (Natural care products, healing arts, massage therapy)
Arivaca, Arizona ( An internet 'portal' to the Town of Arivaca - home of "Desert Homestead Stone Products" )