Gem Profile- Aragonite

by Judy Ellis

Aragonite is not just a ghost town in Utah, but a really beautiful Carbonate and the principal member of the Aragonite group which also consists of Calcite. Aragonite is often called Calcite's "poor relative," when in actuality, they both have the same chemistry (CaCO3), but a different crystal structure. This means that Aragonite is a Polymorph of Calcite with Orthrombic symmetry. Okay, now that I have totally confused you, let me tell you a bit more about the amazing mineral Aragonite.

Aragonite, named after Molina de Aragon in Guadalajara, Spain, was first discovered in 1797 but wasn't introduced widely across Europe until 1876.

The stone is naturally white or pale yellow, though it can be banded with darker gold or brown colors.

Aragonite can also appear in blue or pink, depending on impurities, temperature, and the presence of other minerals during its formation.

Batya Morris of Ellenville, New York created this aragonite earring and necklace set in sterling silver, inspired by an earring design by Sally Stevens.

Aragonite can also be found in Spain, France, England, Scotland, Mexico, Morocco, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, parts of Asia, and the Middle East.

When dark and highly banded, it has been called California Onyx, Suisan Marble, or Mexican Onyx.

Aragonite has a hardness of 3.5 4 and exhibits pinacoidal fracture, meaning it cleaves in one direction.

It is considered unstable at normal temperatures and pressures and will eventually convert to calcite over a very long timescale of about 10×10⁸ years.

Banded Aragonite, aka Mexican Onyx

The most familiar form of aragonite in jewelry comes from pearls, coral, and mother of pearl.

Mollusks secrete aragonite, called nacre, to cover irritants in their shells, creating beautiful pearls.

The endoskeleton of coral is made from aragonite, and mother of pearl is a layer of aragonite secreted by the mollusk.

You might wonder how pearls come in different colors if aragonite is naturally white or pale yellow.

The color depends on the type of mussel, water temperature, and the pearl's nucleus.

Much of what determines pearl color also affects aragonite's color variation.

Polished aragonite cabochons in cream and peach.

In a dentist's office, the white sand at the bottom of the saltwater tank is most likely aragonite.

Biologists have found that aragonite sand helps maintain the tank close to a natural sea environment, promoting fish health.

Aragonite is also the primary content of the cave formations at Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico and the white formations of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Even a trip to the hardware store to see travertine tile, which is aragonite, can give you a sense of its color and beauty.

Aragonite is said to increase the energy of prayers, aid in meditation, and reduce stress.

It has also been used to draw out heat from fevers, reduce inflammation, and support chronic fatigue. Aragonite can enhance patience, help with accepting responsibilities, and remind us of our true center, making it a good stone for family, companionship, and calm.

Gem Profile- Aragonite

Materials

Tools

Reviews

Other Articles by Judy Ellis

Supplies

Resources

About Us

Connect With Us