This Spanish aragonite specimen has a lovely purple color in the center of the crystals and fades abruptly to an opaque white at the ends. It is fluorescent, and phosphorescent, under a long wave UV light (shown in the last photo).
Aragonite is a mineral that belongs to the carbonate group, and it's known for its distinct crystal structure and beautiful array of colors. Chemically, it's composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), the same compound found in limestone and marble, but what sets aragonite apart is its unique arrangement of atoms.
Aragonite crystals often form elongated prismatic or needle-like structures that radiate outwards, creating intricate and delicate patterns. Aragonite can also form in a hexagonal shape due to a growth habit called hexagonal twinning. Imagine looking at a hexagonal shape, like a six-sided polygon. Now, envision this shape as a crystal or group of crystals, where each side of the hexagon corresponds to a separate crystal that's interconnected with its neighbors. These crystals can interlock in interesting ways, creating formations that resemble coral reefs or delicate, frozen sculptures, or long hexagonal barrels. The mineral is known for its ability to exhibit a wide spectrum of colors, ranging from white to shades of brown, blue, green, and even pink and purple, making it a favorite among mineral collectors for its aesthetic diversity.
Aragonite has a special place in the world of mineralogy due to its polymorphic relationship with calcite. Both minerals share the same chemical composition but arrange their atoms differently, resulting in distinct crystal structures. This gives aragonite its unique physical properties and characteristic needle-like formations.
You can find aragonite in a variety of geological settings, often forming in environments rich in calcium carbonate, such as sedimentary rocks, cave formations (speleothems), and hydrothermal veins. It's not just a visual delight but also a reminder of the complex and fascinating processes that shape the Earth's geological history.
Approx. Dimensions: 2.5 x 2 x 2.5 inches
Approx. Weight: 200 grams
Locality: Minglanilla, Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha, Spain
Acrylic stand is not included
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