Aragonite
Aragonite is a carbonate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with notable Chinese occurrences.
About Aragonite
Aragonite belongs to the carbonate class in the aragonite group and has the chemical formula CaCO3. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Aragonite typically forms prismatic, tabular, acicular; characteristic pseudohexagonal 'trilling' twins; also botryoidal, coralline, cave sinter. Its color range is broad, including colorless to white or grey, often stained blue, green, red, and or violet by impurities. The luster is vitreous, resinous, the streak is white, uncolored, and specimens are typically transparent, translucent. The cleavage is distinct on {010}, imperfect on {110}. The fracture is sub-conchoidal, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
For collectors, Aragonite is a benchmark crystalline species. Documented Chinese occurrences are recorded at Bayan Obo deposit, among others.
Available Aragonite specimens
Flos Ferri Aragonite, Austria
Blue Aragonite Needle Cluster, Yunnan, China
Blue Aragonite Crystal Cluster – Sky Blue – Yunnan, China
Aragonite – Goblet Form – Ribbed Texture – Yunnan Province, China
