Category | Carbonates (minerals) |
Title in English | Aragonite |
Formula | CaCO3 |
Group | Group of calcium carbonate polymorphs |
Color | White, Colorless, Grey, Blue, Green, Red |
Stroke color | White |
Shine | Glass |
Transparency | Transparent, Translucent |
singonia | Rhombic |
Hardness | 3,5 — 4 |
Cleavage | Imperfect |
Density, g/cm³ | 2,93 |
Kink | Uneven |
origin of name | It is named after the place where it was first found. Namely, in the Italian province of Aragon. |
Morphology | Contains individual short-plasma and long-prismatic crystals. Also, there are needle-shaped, dipyramidal, thick-tabular crystals. |
Aragonite is a type of calcium carbonate. The mineral differs from the same composition as calcite in the structure of its crystal lattice and, accordingly, in its properties. Aragonite crystals are found in prismatic, columnar, tabular, needle-shaped and spear-shaped. They also form intergrowths of a wide variety of shapes. In addition, aragonite is a component of the mother-of-pearl layer of mollusk shells and the exoskeleton of coral.
Aragonite deposits
Aragonite is very widespread on our planet.
The largest amount of the mineral is mined on the European continent, since the demand for it is highest here. There are known deposits in the Alpine mountains where high-quality aragonites are mined. — Advertising —
In addition, large deposits of stone are “hidden” in a strip of the oceanic shelf zone. In the area of surf and changeable currents, aragonite intergrowths become so-called oolites (egg-shaped pebbles).
History of aragonite
Aragonites became known as precious stones relatively recently.
Although their age is approaching hundreds of millions of years, after which the stone turns into calcite. They began to distinguish aragonite from the latter only in the 18th century, at which time they gave it a name consonant with Spanish Aragonia, where they first became interested in this mineral. At the same time, the ability of aragonites to transform into calcites was also noticed. In order to improve the quality of the stone, stone cutters tried to heat it, but this did not lead to the desired result. On the contrary, the aragonite crumbled into fine calcite powder. This phenomenon is associated with an increase in the volume of the sample and the gradual detachment of the upper particles.
Aragonite is also known under other names, including: mother of pearl, iron flower, sparkling or pea stone, conchite. Natural specimens of spherical shape are called oolites or oolitic stones.
Horoscope
Aragonite is suitable for people with any zodiac sign and those under the protection of any planets. The main condition is that people should not be single, they should be married.
However, the stone still has favorites to whom it fully reveals its properties. These include Capricorns, Pisces and Cancers.
The amulet must be handled carefully; if the crystals break, then even under normal conditions the aragonite will turn into calcite and all its magical properties will be lost.
Physico-chemical characteristics of aragonite
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Aragonites consist of calcium carbonate; they contain magnesium, iron, zinc, and lead as impurities. The crystals are colorless or white, grayish, yellowish or reddish in color with a greasy or glassy sheen.
They are characterized by a rhombic system, transparency or translucency, imperfect cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Hardness on the Mohs scale is 3.5-4. Density 2.9-3.0 g/cm3.
Aragonite, which is mined in the territory of karst caves, forms intergrowths in the form of a sinter crust with protruding crystals, needle-shaped spherical formations, and radial-radiant intergrowths. Sometimes spherulites are mined.
Mother-of-pearl is formed from a thin layer of aragonite, which alternates with a transparent layer of solid organic substances. Thus, each pearl is a kind of “layer cake”, where the filling is aragonite.
Types of aragonite
Depending on the content of certain impurities in the composition of the mineral, as well as on its form, several types of aragonite are distinguished:
- Tarnovycytes - distinguished by prismatic hexagonal crystals of a warm brownish-violet hue. This variety of aragonite is rich in lead.
- Nicholsonites - contain zinc inclusions in their composition, are distinguished by red-brown shades interspersed with pure purple color. In general, this variety is characterized by the most varied color range of all aragonites.
- Sprudelsteins or pea stones, also known as cave pearls and marble onyx. They are formed during the processes of precipitation of calcium compounds from a natural solution, and are distinguished by a variety of shapes and sizes of intergrowths and drusen. It is polished sprudelsteins that are often used as jewelry inserts and material for beads and bracelets.
- “Iron flower” is an unusually shaped variety of mineral, in which oblong mineral formations are intertwined into bizarre “inflorescences”.
- Needle-shaped crystals are transparent prisms or elongated needles.
- Helictite is a coral-like aggregate that is common in karst caves and beautifully branches to form complex structures.
- Pisolite is a rounded stone the size of a pea (about 2 mm), also known as the “pearl of caves.”
Price
According to the jewelry classification, aragonite is a semi-precious (lower segment) or ornamental stone. This circumstance, plus its prevalence and ease of extraction, determined the availability of prices for the mineral (rubles):
- crystals (7.5x6x5.5 cm) – 2,550-2,800;
- ball (4.8-6.3 cm) – 1,700 – 3,560;
- egg (3x4-4x5 cm) – 820-1,240;
- white tumbling (2–3 cm) – 240–290;
- crystal intergrowths (3–4 cm) – 380–650.
The price is also determined by the deposit and type of mineral. For example, a sample of sky-blue vanadium aragonite from Morocco (size S, that is, 5–7 cm and weighing 14 g) costs RUR 5,890.
Average cost of products (RUB):
- earrings – 600–780;
- rosary (onyx+aragonite) – 1,970;
- white bracelet (diameter 14 mm, Mexico) – 1,090;
- white beads (14 mm, Mexico) – 2,490;
- silver ring – 860–2360;
- gold ring with aragonite – 7,900-21,300.
Ring with aragonite The price of jewelry made of aragonite depends more on the material of the frame: the cost of gold and silver accessories with similar inserts differs by an order of magnitude.
Magical properties of aragonite
Decorations and interior items made of aragonite help stop disputes between husband and wife.
They are also able to optimize the difficult relationships characteristic of mother-in-law and son-in-law, daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, parents and children. Aragonite “smoothes out” all the rough edges and helps representatives of different generations achieve mutual understanding. Aragonites also attract prosperity and prosperity to the home of their owners. It is believed that in their presence, the material condition always improves.
And aragonite miraculously helps in housekeeping for everyone who does not really like this business. The mineral adds strength, fights laziness, and gives inspiration and ingenuity to perform even the most boring housework, which a person begins to do perfectly.
Extraordinary Features
Aragonite is a constant companion of healers and miracle workers, promoting the presence of spiritualism procedures, communication with unearthly forces, since it is believed that it is ideally grounded and focused on activity. Can increase the process of prayer or magic spells.
- These crystals give humility, true calm and inner stability, promote reflection, and balance various activities in the human body.
- Aragonite is the true holder of the marital hearth, spreading its own magic only for the family. It is advisable to leave your figurines or fakes at home to attract wealth, convenience and good luck to the family.
- Such a solid body will help spouses maintain joint emotions, attract attraction in refreshing connections, and destroy differences and hostile thoughts.
- Accordingly, it can help open a connection between the older and younger generations, it is combined in the absence of family disputes, restoring peace and equanimity.
- Helps increase financial family wealth, free from need.
- Frees careless owners from apathy, helping to implement the household, filling the house with warmth and comfort.
- Helps to perceive moral and family virtues.
- These amulets are ready to prevent alcoholism, betrayal and other shortcomings.
Healing properties of aragonite
In lithotherapy, aragonite is known as a stimulator of sexual function in both sexes.
The stone also has a positive effect on the state of the human nervous system, helps get rid of fears and feelings of anxiety, enslavement, irritability and anger, and quickly restores the strength of its owner. Aragonite applications are used to treat various skin diseases. And the water that has been filtered through aragonite chips becomes healing. Such sources include those located in Karlovy Vary and Baden-Baden.
A good effect of aragonites on mature people has been noticed. Thus, they help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and reduce senile dementia.
Aragonite colors
Aragonite specimens are generally colorless or white.
If the mineral contains any impurities, a variety of tones appear in it: from purple, blue and gray to orange, red, light green. Blue-green aragonites are called iglites, blue ones are called tseringites. Gems can be either transparent, semi- or opaque.
Compatibility with other stones
All minerals have magical properties. To enhance their effect on humans and not harm the body, you need to combine gems correctly. Properly selected stones enhance each other’s effects, while incompatible stones nullify all magical and healing properties.
Aragonite belongs to two elements - Earth and Water (yin energy). Therefore, it is ideally combined with similar minerals.
The stone is non-conflict, the mineral is highly compatible with almost all gems. A favorable combination with turquoise, carnelian, alexandrite, sapphire and emerald.
There is a color combination of stones. Thus, it is recommended to combine blue crystals with white and green stones, and black crystals with red and blue ones.
Precious metals – gold, silver, platinum – are ideal as frames.
How to care for aragonite
Caring for aragonite and products made with it should be careful and careful, since the mineral is quite fragile and deteriorates when exposed to high temperatures and frequent exposure to bright sun.
It is recommended to store aragonite jewelry in tightly closed boxes in soft fabric.
Clean them with a damp cloth.
Proper storage
An aragonite product will last a long time if you adhere to the following rules:
- The jewelry should be stored in a box with soft walls;
- Aragonite should not be allowed to come into contact with perfumes, cosmetics, or chemicals;
- Remove jewelry before going to bed, going to the bathhouse, or swimming pool;
- If dark spots appear, wipe with a soft cloth.
Prices for aragonite products
In general, prices for aragonites, due to their widespread occurrence, are not very high. For example, a polished plate weighing 100 g is valued at about $10. And picturesque aragonite deposits, which are purchased for mineralogical collections, are estimated at 5-7 dollars. The cost of jewelry with aragonite inserts, depending on the cutting material and the work of the craftsman, ranges from $40-500.
Where is the mineral used?
The characteristic of the mineral as fragile and difficult to process did not become an obstacle to its use. Colorfully rich aragonite is in demand by jewelers, stone-cutters, and collectors.
Everyone has a reason to love the mineral aragonite:
- Jewelers produce an assortment of jewelry, including bracelets and ring inserts. The frame chosen is noble: silver, gold, platinum. Blue aragonite is often indistinguishable from turquoise, and well-polished polka dots imitate elite pearls.
- Stone cutters carve balls, pyramids, and other figures. There are larger things - boxes, desk writing instruments, photo frames.
- Each specimen makes collectors happy: the uniqueness of color and shape makes it unique.
Pendant with aragonite
At the same time, the price of the mineral is affordable, even from distant corners of the planet.
Interesting facts about aragonite:
- Aragonite talismans are used to maintain family unity. It is believed that such an amulet can discourage a person from romantic interests on the side, gambling, friendly feasts, addiction to drinking and everything that can destroy a happy family life.
- The hexagonal aragonite is a symbol of the Star of David and the seal of King Solomon. In magical rituals, the gem is often used to restore strength. In addition, aragonite is compared to a soul reaching out to the universe. Just as its direct rays are directed to the sides, so the soul, during growth and development, strengthens and learns to cope with difficulties. With the help of aragonite, its owner becomes self-disciplined.
- Aragonite is an unstable phase of calcium carbonate. Over 10-100 million years, it gradually turns into calcite. At the same time, the volume of the stone increases. And if a sample of aragonite is heated to 400°C, then this transition occurs right before our eyes, and the durable stone crumbles into fine powder.
Who is the name suitable for?
The magical properties of the mineral will be revealed to their maximum if:
- its owner will be a woman named Svetlana or Lyudmila;
- he will end up with a man named: Makar, Arthur or Vladimir.
In principle, the stone is compatible with any name. The main thing is that its owner has a family or is in a romantic relationship.
Only in this case will its effect on both spouses or lovers be beneficial. It can bring misfortune to lonely people.
Talismans and amulets
Astrologers recommend aragonite as an amulet or talisman only to those who are married. The zodiac sign is not important, the main requirement is having a family. As a talisman, aragonite will help you not only to solve family problems. He will save his owner from binge drinking, gambling and drunkenness. Talismans with its stones must be worn carefully and try not to break them - after the stone breaks, its crystals will lose their magical power. Well suited for use during meditation, helping to achieve complete relaxation and tranquility.
Who is aragonite suitable for according to their zodiac sign?
Aragonite is one of the few minerals that, from an astrological point of view, has no contraindications.
Compatibility of aragonite with the zodiac sign. Table 1.
Zodiac sign | Compatibility (“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – strictly contraindicated) |
Aries | + |
Taurus | + |
Twins | + |
Cancer | + |
a lion | + |
Virgo | + |
Scales | + |
Scorpion | + |
Sagittarius | + |
Capricorn | + |
Aquarius | + |
Fish | + |
Aragonite not only has no contraindications, but it also does not give special preferences to any zodiac sign. He grants protection to everyone without exception and will help improve their lives, but only if the person is married. As already mentioned, it cannot be used as a talisman by single people.
Aragonite is a talisman that protects the family. He brings love, happiness and prosperity to the house.