Aragonite
What is Aragonite?
Aragonite is a carbonate mineral, one of the two common, naturally occurring polymorphs of calcium carbonate. It’s primarily found in Spain, Morocco, and the United States. Aragonite is often used as a gemstone and is popular for its unique crystal formations and color variations.
Aragonite is a fascinating gemstone that comes in various colors, often including blues, browns, and whites. Its unique crystal formations make it a popular choice for collectors and for use in jewelry.
| Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Carbonate |
| Color | Typically white or colorless but can also be found in blues, browns, and yellows. |
| Streak | White |
| Luster | Vitreous to resinous. |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent. |
| Occurrence | Spain (especially Aragon, from which it gets its name), Mexico, and Morocco. |
| Formation | Often found in sedimentary and hydrothermal environments, including hot springs and caves. |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | None |
| Mohs Hardness | 3.5 to 4 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.94 |
| Diagnostic Properties | Twinning in star-shaped groups. |
| Chemical Composition | CaCO3 |
| Pleochroism | Not observed in aragonite. |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial (-) |
| Refractive Index | 1.529 - 1.685 |
| Birefringence | 0.098 - 0.100 |
| 2V angle | Measured: 18° |
| Dispersion | Not typically noted for its dispersion. |