The character of the most important crystallographic forms of calcite crystal is quantitatively reviewed according to the Hartman and Perdok theory. Specific surface and edge energies of the cleavage {1 0 4} rhombohedron are calculated in the crystal-vacuum system by means of a semi-empirical potential function and following Stranski's definition of the total surface energy of a finite crystal. A comparison is made between the calculated Value and the experimental quantities entering the Dupre formula (specific crystal-solution interface energy, specific vapour-solution surface energy): the crystal-vacuum specific surface energy is proved to be quite reasonable, and for the first time, the specific crystal-solution adhesion energy for the {1 0 4} form is estimated.