Hobbies And Interests
About Honeycomb Calcite
Honeycomb calcite is a soft stone, registering 3.5 on Moh's scale of hardness. It is soft enough to be easily carved. The fibrous cells which give the stone its unusual patterns also give the rock more durability than average calcite, making it suitable for many types of architectural projects. This form of calcite holds a fine shine, unlike most soft minerals. When cut, this non-fluorescent form of calcite varies from translucent to transparent. It is beautifully luminous under lighting or when back-lit. This stone is also relatively heavy, weighing around 192 pounds per cubic foot.
Sculpting
Because honeycomb calcite is a soft stone, only normal stone sculpting tools are required for carving. You can use carbide tools, but they are not necessary. Art objects or useful items such as vases, boxes and canisters can be easily crafted from the stone. Because it is a soft stone, care must be taken when making jewelry or other small crafts. The stone will break easily when put into items that take abuse, such as rings. This calcite's ability to take and hold a shine, however, makes it a good stone for pendants or earrings.
Architectural Projects
Honeycomb calcite can be used for a wide variety of architectural projects. It makes beautiful counter tops, bath tub surrounds, or customized sinks. Slices of the stone are often used to make stained glass windows. Tiles of honeycomb calcite can be used for whole or partial wall coverings. Creative uses include room dividing walls or entryways. Kitchen counter tops and cupboard fronts are another frequent use for this stone. Because of the beauty of light coming through the stone it is also an excellent choice for use as cabinet backing, shelving or bars that use back-lighting.
Accents
Because of honeycomb calcite's translucence, it makes the perfect stone for lighting projects. Original lampshades and light bulb globes, light stands and candle cozies that give the light a soft glow can be fashioned. The stone may get warm when close to lighting but it will not melt or catch fire. Calcite is often used to produce either natural or abstract waterfalls, as well. Table tops can be made from either tiles or slabs of the stone. Whatever is made from this translucent stone will give a touch of natural elegance to the room in which it is displayed.