Go to main content
Menu

:::
:::

Iceland Spar (Calcite)

Chemical composition: CaCO3

Lattice system: Hexagonal rhombohedron

Place of origin: Guangxi, China

Introduction: Colorless, translucent calcite crystals are referred to as Iceland spar, as they were first discovered in Iceland. Birefringent. In the 19th century, polarized lenses were made from Iceland spar. Much research in the fields of optics and mineralogy has depended on Iceland spar. It is believed that ancient Vikings used Iceland spar to search for the sun on foggy days as they navigated their ships. 

2025/11/27 Updated