Aragonite: A cave dwelling and coral-shaped mineral
March 12, 2019
By Jim Brace-Thompson
"Aragonite was named for Aragon, Spain, where it was first discovered, but it’s a common mineral that is found worldwide.
Aragonite is a polymorph of calcite (calcium carbonate). That is, it shares the same chemical composition (CaCO3), but because of different conditions during crystal formation, its crystal structure and characteristics differ slightly. Aragonite tends to be unstable and if heated above 725°F, it will change to calcite. At Mohs 3.5-4, it’s a little harder than calcite (Mohs hardness 3), but both are relatively soft carbonate minerals.
Various Forms and Colors
Most common form of aragonite, stark white in color. (Photo courtesy The Arkenstone, iRocks.com)
“Classic” aragonite grows in elongated, prismatic, orthorhombic crystals that often form in twinned clusters, as compared to calcite, which often grows as pointed trigonal crystals. However, aragonite grows in varied forms: It may be found as fibrous masses, as coral-like structures, or as banded stalactites. It also varies in color. While often white, it may be colorless, yellowish, reddish, greenish, purplish, bluish, or gray depending on other minerals that formed alongside it.
Whatever its exterior color, it leaves a white streak and usually has a vitreous to dull luster. Like its close cousin calcite, it will fizz in hydrochloric acid. It also ... "
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