mineral
Blue Aragonite
Aragonite (Calcium Carbonate, CaCO3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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
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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.
