mineral
Aragonite Star Cluster
Aragonite (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)
Hardness: 3.5-4.0; Color: Pale honey to reddish-brown; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic (cyclic twinning); Cleavage: Distinct in one direction; Specific gravity: 2.95.
- Hardness
- 3
- Color
- Pale honey to reddish-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5-4.0; Color: Pale honey to reddish-brown; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic (cyclic twinning); Cleavage: Distinct in one direction; Specific gravity: 2.95.
Formation & geological history
Formed through low-temperature hydrothermal activity or in sedimentary environments as an evaporite. These clusters specifically grow through cyclic twinning where multiple crystals radiate from a central point.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as decorative display specimens, for geological study, and in the metaphysical community. In industry, aragonite is used in cement and as a source of calcium.
Geological facts
Aragonite is chemically identical to calcite (polymorphs), but it has a different crystalline structure. It is the primary material in the shells of mollusks and the skeleton of corals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its 'sputnik' or star-like radiating appearance with hexagonal-looking prisms. Common locations include Morocco (Sefrou region), Spain, and Mexico.
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