Aragonite - XLG

Aragonite is a calcium carbonate mineral with a hardness of 3.5 to 4. It occurs in various colors, including white, gray, reddish, yellow-green and blue. The most popular varieties for metaphysical use are Red Aragonite and Blue Aragonite. Aragonite's crystal system is Orthorhombic – Dipyramidal, and it can be found in prismatic crystals, concretions, stalactitic masses or other forms. Aragonite forms the skeleton of a number of marine organisms, either living or recently fossilized. Beautiful reddish Aragonites come from Molina de Aragon, Spain. The most popular forms of Aragonite for metaphysical use are the reddish Aragonite clusters found in Morocco (our specimens here) and Blue Aragonite specimens which have recently come out of China. Other Aragonites occur in Italy, Greece, Austria, England, Czech Republic, Mexico, Peru, Pakistan and the USA.

Item Size: X-Large 1 1/4 - 2" (30-50mm)


GENERAL INFORMATION

Mineral Class: Carbonates, Nitrates, Borates

Mineral Species: Anhydrous Carbonates

Mineral Group: Aragonite

Chemical Formula: CaCO₃ - Calcium Carbonate

Composition:
40.04% - Calcium Ca
12.00% - Carbon C
47.96% - Oxygen O

Environment: Hot springs deposits, cavities in volcanic rocks, caves and mines

IMA Status: Valid Species (Pre-IMA) 1790

Locality: Aragon, Spain

Name Origin: From the Spanish area where it was first discovered.

Aragonite Sources: Austria, Czechoslovakia, Morocco, Namibia, Italy, Spain, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, England


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Cleavage: Distinct

Color: Reddish white, yellowish white, gray, white, colorless

Crystal System: Orthorhombic – Dipyramidal

Density: 2.93

Diaphaniety: Transparent – Translucent

Fracture: Sub Conchoidal – Fractures developed in brittle materials characterized by semi-curving surfaces.

Habit: Columnar – Forms columns.

Habit: Fibrous – Crystals made up of fibers.

Habit: Pseudo Hexagonal – Crystals show a hexagonal outline.

Hardness: 3.5-4 –Copper Penny-Fluorite

Luminescence: None

Luster: Vitreous (Glassy)

Magnetism: Nonmagnetic

Specific Gravity: 2.93

Streak: White

Aragonite is a common carbonate mineral. It is a polymorph of calcite, meaning it has the same chemistry as calcite but a different structure, symmetry, and crystal shapes. Carbonate minerals with this same structure as Aragonite belong to the Aragonite Group; dissimilar properties between the minerals are the result of the differing metal cations.

Aragonite is technically unstable at normal surface temperatures and pressures. It is stable at higher pressures, and in order to keep Aragonite stable with increasing temperature, the pressure must also increase. If Aragonite is heated to 400 degrees Celsius, it will spontaneously convert to calcite if the pressure is not also increased. Calcite is obviously the more stable mineral, so why does Aragonite even form? Under certain conditions of formation, the crystallization of calcite is somehow discouraged and Aragonite will form instead.


METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Chakras: Earth, base

Number: 9

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Element: Storm

Beneficial for: Patience; emotional stress; anger; reliability; acceptance; flexibility; tolerance; pain (especially lower back); grounding; wound healing; Reynaud's disease; chills; bones; calcium absorption; disc elasticity; night twitches; muscle spasm; immune system; regulates processes

Aragonite resonates to the Earth Mother and is an excellent earth-healer and grounding stone. Transforming geopathic stress and blocked ley lines, this stone can be placed on a map to heal disturbance in the earth. Centering physical energies and calming oversensitivity, Aragonite deepens connection with the earth, settling "floaty" people comfortably into their body. Combating disease, especially nervous twitching arising out of inner unrest, and warming the extremities, Aragonite distributes energy through the whole body. It stabilizes spiritual development that is occurring too fast. Useful for people who push themselves too hard, Aragonite encourages delegating. Its disciplined energy promotes a pragmatic approach to life. A supportive stone, it gives insight into causes of problems and gently takes you back into childhood or beyond.