mineral

Brown banded aragonite (likely aragonite stalactitic material)

Aragonite, orthorhombic CaCO₃

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown, cream, and translucent banding with vitreous-to-pearly luster and fibrous/columnar texture; Mohs hardness 3.5–4, specific gravity about 2.9, with imperfect cleavage and uneven fracture. The layered appearance may also represent calcite or aragonite-rich cave material.

Identified September 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when calcium-carbonate-rich groundwater precipitates in caves, springs, or cavities, commonly as stalactitic, fibrous, or banded growth. Aragonite is geologically metastable and may recrystallize to calcite over time; an exact age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a decorative or collector specimen; softer material may be polished, but it has limited jewelry durability and little industrial value compared with limestone or calcite.

Geological facts

Aragonite and calcite share the formula CaCO₃ but differ in crystal structure; aragonite is orthorhombic, whereas calcite is trigonal.

Field identification & locations

Look for strong banding, fibrous growth, and a fizz with dilute hydrochloric acid; hardness testing and X-ray diffraction distinguish it confidently from calcite. Common sources include Morocco, Spain, Mexico, and cave deposits worldwide.