mineral
Aragonite
Aragonite (CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3.5 to 4 on Mohs scale. Color: Typically white, reddish-brown, yellow, or gray. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic, often forming pseudo-hexagonal prismatic crystals, columnar clusters, or spiky 'flos-ferri' formations. Cleavage: Distinct in one direction. Specific gravity: 2.93.
- Hardness
- 3
- Color
- Typically white, reddish-brown, yellow, or gray
- Luster
- Vitreous to resinous
Identified More mineral →
Explore Aragonite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3.5 to 4 on Mohs scale. Color: Typically white, reddish-brown, yellow, or gray. Luster: Vitreous to resinous. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic, often forming pseudo-hexagonal prismatic crystals, columnar clusters, or spiky 'flos-ferri' formations. Cleavage: Distinct in one direction. Specific gravity: 2.93.
Formation & geological history
Forms in low-temperature environments, including marine deposits, hot spring precipitates, caves (as stalactites or flowstone), and altered limestone beds.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a mineral specimen for collectors, in metaphysical practices, and occasionally in agricultural lime or soil conditioning.
Geological facts
Aragonite is a polymorph of calcite, meaning it shares the exact same chemical formula (calcium carbonate) but has a different crystal structure, making it less stable than calcite over geological time.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic pseudo-hexagonal prismatic crystal clusters, brownish-pink color, and effervescence when tested with dilute hydrochloric acid. Commonly found in Tazouta, Morocco, and various locations in Spain and the USA.
