Geology / History
Aragonite's crystal lattice differs from that of calcite, resulting in a different crystal shape. Aragonite has a orthorhombic system with acicular crystals. Repeated twinning results in pseudo-hexagonal forms. Aragonite may be columnar or fibrous, occasionally in branching stalactitic forms called flos-ferri, meaning flowers of iron. This term comes from their association with the ores at the Carinthian iron mines.
The type location for aragonite is Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara, Spain), 25 km from Aragon for which it was named in 1797. Massive deposits of oolitic aragonite sand are found on the seabed in the Bahamas.
Aragonite forms naturally in almost all mollusk shells & as the calcareous endoskeleton of warm & cold-water corals (Scleractinia). Several serpulids have aragonitic tubes. Because the mineral deposition in mollusk shells is strongly biologically controlled, some crystal forms are distinctively different from those of inorganic aragonite. In some mollusks the entire shell is aragonite, in others aragonite forms only discrete parts of a bimineralic shell (aragonite plus calcite).
Aragonite also forms in the ocean & in caves as inorganic precipitates called marine cements & speleothems. The nacreous layer of the aragonite fossil shells of some extinct ammonites forms an iridescent material called ammolite. Ammolite is primarily aragonite with impurities that make it iridescent and valuable as a gemstone.
Aragonite is metastable & is thus commonly replaced by calcite in fossils. Aragonite older than the Carboniferous period is unknown.
Metaphysical Properties
A fantastic stress reliever, this stone teaches patience & acceptance. Increases intuition opening you to new vision by powerfully stimulating the third eye & crown charka, while simultaneously connecting the root chakra to the Earth. Aragonite encourages practicality & discipline by creating structure in the chaos of life. Calming & stabilising, it restores balance when everything feels out of control.
Aragonite enhances concentration bringing a clear focus & dispersing negativity, penetrating the veil of negativity with focused laser light which destroys it's hold. Provides a supporting vibration of love to overcome anger & stress. This crystal shifts mental perception in such a lateral way that all dreams can become possible realities. One begins to understand the most complex of theories & how to harness the mind withenergy to create.
Aragonite holds a very strong life force current boosting Kundalini & enhancing universal connectivity. Excellent Earth-healer & grounding stone that connects to ancient knowledge to release immense healing energy from the land. Greatly raises vibration & brings energy into the physical body by aligning energy fields. Aragonite facilitates vast mental & energetic expansion allowing one to powerfully radiate light energy in all direction, just like the sun.
Crystal Healing
It combats disease especially twitching & spasms. Calms the mind. Heals bones, elasticity to discs. Strengthens the immune system.
Mineralogy
Group: Carbonates
Crystal System: Orthohombic
Composition: CaCO3
Form/Habit: Prismatic, Acicular, Frequently shows pseudohexagonal habit which is caused by combination & twinning
Hardness: 3.5-4
Cleavage: Distinct
Fracture: Sub-Conchoidal, Brittle
Lustre: Vitreous
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.93-2.96
Transparency: Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
Colour: Colourless, White, Yellowish, Reddish, Greenish, Bluish, Violet. Commonly banded
Birefringence: 0.155
Pleochroism: Strong
Fluorescence: Orange
Aragonite's crystal lattice differs from that of calcite, resulting in a different crystal shape. Aragonite has a orthorhombic system with acicular crystals. Repeated twinning results in pseudo-hexagonal forms. Aragonite may be columnar or fibrous, occasionally in branching stalactitic forms called flos-ferri, meaning flowers of iron. This term comes from their association with the ores at the Carinthian iron mines.
The type location for aragonite is Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara, Spain), 25 km from Aragon for which it was named in 1797. Massive deposits of oolitic aragonite sand are found on the seabed in the Bahamas.
Aragonite forms naturally in almost all mollusk shells & as the calcareous endoskeleton of warm & cold-water corals (Scleractinia). Several serpulids have aragonitic tubes. Because the mineral deposition in mollusk shells is strongly biologically controlled, some crystal forms are distinctively different from those of inorganic aragonite. In some mollusks the entire shell is aragonite, in others aragonite forms only discrete parts of a bimineralic shell (aragonite plus calcite).
Aragonite also forms in the ocean & in caves as inorganic precipitates called marine cements & speleothems. The nacreous layer of the aragonite fossil shells of some extinct ammonites forms an iridescent material called ammolite. Ammolite is primarily aragonite with impurities that make it iridescent and valuable as a gemstone.
Aragonite is metastable & is thus commonly replaced by calcite in fossils. Aragonite older than the Carboniferous period is unknown.
Metaphysical Properties
A fantastic stress reliever, this stone teaches patience & acceptance. Increases intuition opening you to new vision by powerfully stimulating the third eye & crown charka, while simultaneously connecting the root chakra to the Earth. Aragonite encourages practicality & discipline by creating structure in the chaos of life. Calming & stabilising, it restores balance when everything feels out of control.
Aragonite enhances concentration bringing a clear focus & dispersing negativity, penetrating the veil of negativity with focused laser light which destroys it's hold. Provides a supporting vibration of love to overcome anger & stress. This crystal shifts mental perception in such a lateral way that all dreams can become possible realities. One begins to understand the most complex of theories & how to harness the mind withenergy to create.
Aragonite holds a very strong life force current boosting Kundalini & enhancing universal connectivity. Excellent Earth-healer & grounding stone that connects to ancient knowledge to release immense healing energy from the land. Greatly raises vibration & brings energy into the physical body by aligning energy fields. Aragonite facilitates vast mental & energetic expansion allowing one to powerfully radiate light energy in all direction, just like the sun.
Crystal Healing
It combats disease especially twitching & spasms. Calms the mind. Heals bones, elasticity to discs. Strengthens the immune system.
Mineralogy
Group: Carbonates
Crystal System: Orthohombic
Composition: CaCO3
Form/Habit: Prismatic, Acicular, Frequently shows pseudohexagonal habit which is caused by combination & twinning
Hardness: 3.5-4
Cleavage: Distinct
Fracture: Sub-Conchoidal, Brittle
Lustre: Vitreous
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.93-2.96
Transparency: Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
Colour: Colourless, White, Yellowish, Reddish, Greenish, Bluish, Violet. Commonly banded
Birefringence: 0.155
Pleochroism: Strong
Fluorescence: Orange