Calcite

Veins of crystal calcite, genetically originated from the hydrothermal-ascending processes, occur within the Middle Devonian limestones and dolomites in the Kielecko-Chęciński region and within the Lower Carboniferous limestones in the area of Krzeszowice (Paczółtowice-Czarna region). Calcite deposits of an economic importance, occurring in the form of veins, were documented in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship.

Calcite is used in the ceramic industry as an additional compound. Nevertheless, it has been lately replacing by other high-calcium raw materials. In the past, it was used in the glass industry, as an attractive fancy stone for a sacral building (i.e. różanka zelejowska and różanka paczółtowska – Polish names) and as a compound of precious grits.

Anticipated economic resources of calcite, documented within 3 deposits, are estimated at 232.78 thousand tonnes as of 31.12.2018. Resources have not changed in comparison with the previous year. The richest is Skrzelczyce deposit, where the coarse-crystalline calcite vein is of about 640 m long and about 25-42 m wide. In Polichno-Skiby deposit there are two calcite veins about 300 m long and from 3 m to 16 m thick. Only in Radomice I deposit calcite is occurring as the main raw material, in others there were limestones for building and road industries documented, while calcite is a co-occurring raw material. Nowadays, none of the calcite deposits is being exploited due to the economic and environmental protection reasons.

Table 1. List of calcite deposits - thousand tonnes

Prepared by: Dariusz Brzeziński