ARAGONITE is a carbonate mineral and its formula is calcium carbonate. It has the same formula as Calcite and Vaterite, but has a different crystal structure. They are tabular, prismatic or needle-like, often with steep pyramidal or chisel-shaped ends, and can form columnar or spreading aggregates. Multiple twin crystals that appear hexagonal in shape are common. Although aragonite sometimes resembles calcite, it is easily distinguished by the absence of rhombic cleavage. Samples can be white, colorless, gray, yellowish, green, blue, reddish, purple or brown. Aragonite is found in oxidized areas of ore deposits and in evaporites, hot spring deposits and caves. It is also found in some metamorphic and igneous rocks and is formed by biological and physical processes, including precipitation from marine and freshwater environments.
NAME: For its first-noted occurrence in the Aragon region, Spain
POLYMORPHISM & SERIES: Trimorphous with calcite and vaterite
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
MINERAL : ARAGONITE CALCITE (Calcium Carbonate Mineral)
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION : CaCo3
HARDNESS (Mohs Scale) : 3.0 to 4.0
MEASUREMENTS Approx : 112.2 x 34.5 MM
WIEGHT : 201 gram
ORIGIN : AFGHANISTAN
ARAGONITE:
ARAGONITE is the high pressure polymorph of calcium carbonate. As such, it occurs in high pressure metamorphic rocks such as those formed at subduction zones.
The crystal lattice of aragonite differs from that of calcite, resulting in a different crystal shape, an orthorhombic crystal system with acicular crystal.
Repeated twinning results in pseudo-hexagonal forms. Aragonite may be columnar or fibrous, occasionally in branching helictitic forms called flos-ferri ("flowers of iron") from their association with the ores at the Carinthian iron mines.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
Formula: CaCO3
Common Impurities: Sr,Pb,Zn
ARAGONITE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
CRYSTAL HABIT: Orthorhombic
COLOR: Colorless to white or grey, often stained various hues by impurities, such as blue, green, red or violet; colourless in transmitted light.
STREAK: Uncolored/white.
LUSTER: Vitreous, Resinous
CLEAVAGE: Distinct/Good On {010} distinct; On {110} and {011} very indistinct.
DIAPHANEITY: Transparent, Translucent
MOHS HARDNESS: 3 4
TENACITY: Brittle
DENSITY: 2.947
FRACTURE: Sub-Conchoidal
OCCURRENCE:
It turns into calcite over geological time. Primary sediment in warm marine waters such as oolites and carbonate mud, an essential clastic sedimentary component as the hard parts of the shells and skeletons of many marine micro-organisms; also from evaporite deposits; in sinter in hot springs and in stalactite in caves; characteristic of high pressure, low temperature (blueschist facies) metamorphism; as amygdullary in basalt and andesite; It is a secondary component in altered ultramafic rocks.
ARAGONITE is a high pressure polymorph of calcium carbonate. Therefore, it occurs in high pressure metamorphic rocks such as those formed in subduction zones.
ARAGONITE is metastable at low pressures near the Earth’s surface and is therefore often replaced by calcite in fossils. Aragonite older than the Carboniferous is essentially unknown. It can also be synthesized by adding a solution of calcium chloride in water-ethanol mixtures at ambient temperatures or to a sodium carbonate solution at temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F).
DISTRIBUTION:
Many localities, but fine crystals are uncommon.
HELMAND PROVINCE,AFGHANISTAN
From Molina, Guadalajara Province, Spain.
Fine crystals from Racalmuto, Cianciana, and Agrigento, Sicily, Italy.
At Dogn´acska and Spania Dolina (Herrengrund), Slovakia.
From Tarnowitz, Silesia, Poland.
At the Erzberg, near Eisenerz, Styria, and from Leogang, Salzburg, Austria.
On the Spitzberg, Horenz, near B´lina, Czech Republic.
From Frizington and Cleator Moor, Cumbria, England.
Fine examples at the Touissit mine, near Oujda, and from Tazouta, near Sefrou, Morocco.
Large crystals from Tsumeb, Namibia.
In the USA, in caves at Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona; large crystals from near Lake Arthur, Chavez Co., also near Santa Rosa, Guadalupe Co., New Mexico; in the Passaic mine, Sterling Hill, Ogdensburg, Sussex Co., New Jersey
USES:
In aquaria, aragonite is considered essential for the replication of reef conditions. Aragonite provides the materials necessary for much sea life and also keeps the pH of the water close to its natural level, to prevent the dissolution of biogenic calcium carbonate.
Aragonite has been successfully tested for the removal of pollutants like zinc, cobalt and lead from contaminated wastewaters.
CALCITE:
CALCITE is a mineral that holds a significant place in the world of geology, mineralogy, and various industries due to its distinctive properties and widespread occurrence. It is a calcium carbonate mineral with the chemical formula CaCO3. Let’s delve into its definition, composition, chemical formula, and crystal structure.
DEFINATION AND COMPOSITION:
CALCITE is a carbonate mineral, which means it contains the carbonate ion (CO3^2-) as a fundamental building block. It is one of the most common minerals on Earth and can be found in various geological settings. Its name is derived from the Latin word “calx,” which means lime, highlighting its close association with limestone and other calcium-rich rocks.
CHEMICAL FORMULA:
The chemical formula of calcite is CaCO3. This formula indicates that each unit of calcite consists of one calcium (Ca) atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms arranged in a specific pattern.
CALCITE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Calcite’s properties and wide availability make it useful in various everyday applications, ranging from dietary supplements to decorative objects. Here are two specific ways in which calcite is used in everyday life:
1. Use in Dietary Supplements and Antacids:
Calcium is an essential mineral for the human body, playing a vital role in bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and more. Since calcite is composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), it is a natural source of calcium. As a result, calcite-derived calcium carbonate is used in dietary supplements to provide individuals with a supplementary source of calcium. These supplements are particularly important for individuals who have dietary restrictions or inadequate calcium intake.
Calcium carbonate derived from calcite is also used in antacids. Antacids are medications that help neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from symptoms like heartburn and indigestion. Calcium carbonate in antacids reacts with stomach acid to form calcium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide, thus reducing the acidity of the stomach contents.
2. Calcite in Decorative Objects and Gemstones:
Certain varieties of calcite, especially those with attractive colors and transparency, are used in decorative objects and even as gemstones. Here’s how calcite is used in this context:
Ornamental Items: Calcite crystals and polished stones are used in the creation of decorative items. Their vibrant colors, interesting crystal habits, and optical properties make them appealing for decorative purposes. Calcite is sometimes carved into figurines, spheres, and other shapes.
Lapidary Use: Lapidary artists work with calcite to cut, shape, and polish it into cabochons, beads, and faceted gemstones. Depending on the variety and quality, calcite can exhibit a range of colors, from clear to yellow, pink, blue, and more. These gemstones are used in jewelry-making and adornment.
Optical Crystals: The transparent and birefringent properties of optical calcite, also known as Iceland spar, have historically made it valuable for scientific and optical purposes. While its use in advanced optical instruments has diminished with the advent of modern technology, optical calcite is still used in educational demonstrations to illustrate the principles of birefringence and polarization.
In summary, calcite’s presence in dietary supplements, antacids, decorative items, and gemstones reflects its versatility and value in enhancing human health and aesthetic experiences. Its various forms and applications contribute to its role in our daily lives.
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