AllMineralsRock
Aragonite
Aragonite is a popular mineral composed of calcium carbonate. [1]
Aragonite: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Aragonite:- Transparency: Aragonite can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, aragonite can be hexagonal or orthorhombic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, aragonite can be dull, resinous or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Aragonite streaks white.
- Hardness: Aragonite's hardness ranges from 3.5 to 4 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Aragonite's specific gravity ranges from 2.93 to 2.947.
Aragonite: Background and Summary
Aragonite is a mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and marble. It is a polymorph of calcium carbonate, which means that it has the same chemical formula as calcite but a different crystal structure. Aragonite is named after the Aragon region in Spain where it was first discovered.Aragonite can be identified by its characteristic crystal structure, which is orthorhombic. It forms elongated prismatic crystals that are often twinned or clustered together. It has a Mohs hardness of 3.5-4 and a specific gravity of 2.95-3.10. Aragonite is usually colorless or white, but it can also be yellow, brown, green, or blue depending on impurities.
Aragonite has a wide range of uses in industry and everyday life. It is used as a source of calcium carbonate in the production of cement, glass, and ceramics. It is also used as a filler in paper, paint, and plastic products. Aragonite is a popular material for jewelry and decorative objects due to its beautiful crystal structure. It is also used in aquariums as a substrate for marine life.
Aragonite: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Aragonite (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | CaCO3 |
| Chemical Composition | calcium carbonate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.93, 2.947, 2.95, 3 |
| Hardness | 3.5, 4 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | orthorhombic, hexagonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.53, 1.685 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green sometimes: red, blue less common: gray, pink, brown, white, orange, purple, yellow, lavender, colorless |
| Solubility | Soluble in acids |
| Category | carbonate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.156 |
Aragonite: FAQ
Q: Is aragonite the same as calcite?A: No, aragonite and calcite have the same chemical formula (CaCO3) but different crystal structures.
Q: Where is aragonite found?
A: Aragonite is commonly found in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and marble. It can also be found in hot springs and caves.
Q: What is aragonite used for?
A: Aragonite is used as a source of calcium carbonate in the production of cement, glass, and ceramics. It is also used as a filler in paper, paint, and plastic products. Aragonite is a popular material for jewelry and decorative objects, and it is used in aquariums as a substrate for marine life.
Sources
- "Aragonite." Mindat.org. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://www.mindat.org/min-293.html.- "Aragonite." Geology.com. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://geology.com/minerals/aragonite.shtml.
- Aragonite: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aragonite
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