mineral

Botryoidal aragonite (cave or hydrothermal aragonite)

Aragonite, orthorhombic CaCO₃; likely associated with calcite and minor matrix minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to cream, porous grape-like botryoidal aggregates with pearly to dull luster; Mohs hardness 3.5–4, orthorhombic crystals, imperfect cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.9–3.0. Effervesces vigorously in dilute hydrochloric acid.

Identified September 6, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Botryoidal aragonite (cave or hydrothermal aragonite)
Scientific name: Aragonite, orthorhombic CaCO₃; likely associated with calcite and minor matrix minerals
Category: mineral
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$75 for common rough specimens; $100–$300 or more for large, attractive, well-documented formations.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms by precipitation of calcium-carbonate-rich groundwater in caves, springs, cavities, or hydrothermal veins, commonly during the Cenozoic or younger. The specimen appears to be a natural crust or cluster rather than a solid massive rock.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a collector specimen; aragonite is also an important biomineral in shells and corals and is used experimentally in calcium-carbonate materials. It has limited jewelry use because it is soft and easily scratched.

Geological facts

Aragonite is a polymorph of calcite: both have CaCO₃ but different crystal structures. It can slowly transform into calcite under some geological conditions.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its branching or botryoidal form, low hardness, acid reaction, and lack of glassy quartz-like luster; locality information or testing is needed to distinguish it confidently from botryoidal calcite. Common localities include Spain, Morocco, Mexico, Austria, and cave environments worldwide.