Aragonite Properties, Facts and Photos

What is Aragonite?

Aragonite is the crystalline form of calcium carbonate. This chemical compound occurs naturally in rocks around the world. It's the main ingredient in limestone, chalk, the shells and skeletons of sea creatures and pearls.

Aragonite and calcite have the same chemical composition but form under slightly different geological conditions. Their crystal structures are almost identical, but not quite.

In their crystalline form, it's quite easy to tell one from the other. However, when aragonite forms with a 'massive' crystal habit, it can be far more difficult.

Crystals described as 'massive' lack visible faces or a well-defined external shape. They grow tightly together as a shapeless mass or lump.

The mineral aragonite takes its name from Molina de Aragón in Spain where it was discovered in 1797.

An acid test is often used to identify minerals. Carbonate minerals, such as calcite and aragonite, fizz (effervesce) when they come into contact with acid.

Calcite is more stable than aragonite and far more abundant in nature. Over time and under the right conditions, aragonite turns into calcite.

Aragonite can be colourless or can occur in different colours, including white, grey, green, blue, violet, brown and varying hues of red and yellow.

Aragonite often forms at low temperatures quite close to the surface of the earth. It can also be found as stalactites in caves and near hot springs.

Many people are familiar with small clusters known as sputniks. These shapes exhibit a twinned crystal habit in which the crystals radiate outwards.

Because of its shape, this form of aragonite was named after the Soviet satellite launched in 1957.

Aragonite Healing Properties

When used for its metaphysical healing properties, aragonite is a grounding stone that brings stability and can help you feel more centred and balanced.

It's often used to promote emotional stability and to reduce stress.

Aragonite is closely connected to Earth. It increases awareness of nature and encourages us to be more connected to the environment. It can assist with emotional healing by encouraging patience, acceptance and forgiveness.

Aragonite connects with the root chakra, which is at the base of the spine. This chakra is responsible for grounding, stability and a sense of security.

Article Pictures

The aragonite in our first photo is from Sicily. The piece in the second photo is from Castile-La Mancha, Spain. The third is an aragonite sputnik from Morocco. Photo courtesy of Lawrence Violett.

All three images are clickable and redirect to the original photo.

Pop-up image: Calcite - Courtesy of Stan Celestian.