mineral

Blue Aragonite

Aragonite (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)

Hardness: 3.5-4.0; Color: Pale blue to turquoise/cyan; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Distinct in one direction; Specific Gravity: 2.9-3.0.

Hardness: 3
Color: Pale blue to turquoise/cyan
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified February 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3.5-4.0; Color: Pale blue to turquoise/cyan; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Distinct in one direction; Specific Gravity: 2.9-3.0.

Formation & geological history

Formed through precipitation in marine and freshwater environments, often in caves as stalactites or around hot springs. The blue color is typically due to copper inclusions during the crystallization process.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative display specimens, in jewelry (though soft), and by metaphysical collectors for its calming aesthetic. Industrially, aragonite is used in cement and soil pH balanced products.

Geological facts

Aragonite is chemically identical to calcite (polymorphs), but it has a different crystal system. It is also the primary material found in mother-of-pearl and pearls produced by mollusks.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its reactive nature to cold dilute hydrochloric acid (it will fizz) and its characteristic needle-like or botryoidal growth patterns. High-quality blue specimens are famously found in China and Morocco.

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