Rock Identifier
Aragonite (Aragonite (CaCO3)) — mineral
mineral

Aragonite

Aragonite (CaCO3)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, typically brown, white, or yellowish, with a vitreous to resinous luster and distinct pseudo-hexagonal crystal twinning.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, typically brown, white, or yellowish, with a vitreous to resinous luster and distinct pseudo-hexagonal crystal twinning.

Formation & geological history

Forms in low-temperature environments including caves as stalactites, oxidized zones of ore deposits, and marine evaporation settings.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as mineral specimens for collectors, in ornamental carvings, and occasionally in holistic wellness practices.

Geological facts

Aragonite is chemically identical to calcite, but its crystal structure is orthorhombic rather than trigonal, making it less thermodynamically stable over geological time.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its characteristic cluster habit, effervescence in dilute acid, and lower hardness; commonly sourced from Morocco, Spain, and the USA.