Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
orthorhombiccommonCarbonates
Aragonite
CaCO₃
This specimen displays white to cream-colored aragonite forming radiating, acicular crystals that create a botryoidal or stalactitic aggregate.
Aragonite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3.5Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
distinct on {010}, poor on {110} and {011}Fracture
subconchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.95Colors
white, colorless, gray, yellow, green, blue, violet, pink, brownTransparency
transparent to translucentType Locality
Alzada, Carter County, Montana, USAMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
collector, biomineralization, industrialAssociated Minerals
calcite, gypsum, celestine, malachite, azuriteRarity
commonGeological Context
Aragonite is a polymorph of calcite, forming in low-temperature environments such as sedimentary rocks, hot springs, caves, and as a component of marine organism shells. It is metastable and can transform into calcite over geological time.
