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{{Infobox mineral {{Infobox mineral
| name = Aragonite | name = Aragonite
| boxwidth = | boxwidth =
| boxbgcolor = Orange | boxbgcolor = Orange
| image = Aragonite crystal - Los Molinillos, Ceunca, Spain - 4x3.6x3.5cm 100g.jpg | image = Aragonite crystal - Los Molinillos, Ceunca, Spain - 4x3.6x3.5cm 100g.jpg
| imagesize = | imagesize =
| alt = | alt =
| caption = Aragonite from Los Molinillos, ], sample width about 4 cm | caption = Aragonite from Los Molinillos, ], sample width about 4 cm
| category = ]s | category = ]s
| formula = {{chem2|]]}} | formula = {{chem2|] ]}}
| IMAsymbol = Arg<ref>{{cite journal |last=Warr|first=L. N. |date=2021 |title=IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols |journal=] |volume=85 |issue=3 |pages=291–320 |doi=10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |bibcode=2021MinM...85..291W |s2cid=235729616 |doi-access=free}}</ref> | IMAsymbol = Arg (not to be confused with ])<ref>{{cite journal |last=Warr|first=L. N. |date=2021 |title=IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols |journal=] |volume=85 |issue=3 |pages=291–320 |doi=10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |bibcode=2021MinM...85..291W |s2cid=235729616 |doi-access=free}}</ref>
| molweight = | molweight =
| strunz = | strunz =
| dana = | dana =
| system = ] | system = ]
| class = | class =
| symmetry = | symmetry =
| unit cell = l a = 4.9598(5) Å, b = 7.9641(9) Å, and c = 5.7379(6) Å at 25 °C <ref>{{cite journal | pmid=34876711 | year=1971 | last1=Dickens | first1=B. | last2=Bowen | first2=J. S. | title=Refinement of the Crystal Structure of the Aragonite Phase of CaCO(3) | journal=Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards Section A | volume=75A | issue=1 | pages=27–32 | doi=10.6028/jres.075A.004 | pmc=6715969 }}</ref> | unit cell = l a = 4.9598(5) Å, b = 7.9641(9) Å, and c = 5.7379(6) Å at 25 °C<ref>{{cite journal | pmid=34876711 | year=1971 | last1=Dickens | first1=B. | last2=Bowen | first2=J. S. | title=Refinement of the Crystal Structure of the Aragonite Phase of CaCO(3) | journal=Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards Section A | volume=75A | issue=1 | pages=27–32 | doi=10.6028/jres.075A.004 | pmc=6715969 }}</ref>
| color = Can come in a variety of colors, but commonly red or white | color = Can come in a variety of colors, but commonly red or white
| colour = | colour =
| habit = Commonly ] or pseudo-hexagonal; can also be ], tabular, prismatic, coral-like | habit = Commonly ] or pseudo-hexagonal; can also be ], tabular, prismatic, coral-like
| twinning = Cyclic on {110}, forms pseudohexagonal aggregates. If polysynthetic, forms fine striations parallel to . | twinning = Cyclic on {110}, forms pseudohexagonal aggregates. If polysynthetic, forms fine striations parallel to .
| cleavage = Good on , Poor on {110}. | cleavage = Good on , Poor on {110}.
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| tenacity = Very brittle | tenacity = Very brittle
| mohs = 3.5–4 | mohs = 3.5–4
| luster = Vitreous, waxy, resinous | luster = Vitreous, waxy, resinous
| streak = White | streak = White
| diaphaneity = Transparent to opaque | diaphaneity = Transparent to opaque
| gravity = 2.94 | gravity = 2.94
| density = | density =
| polish = | polish =
| opticalprop = Biaxial (-) | opticalprop = Biaxial (−)
| refractive = n<sub>ω</sub> = 1.550 n<sub>ε</sub> = 1.650 | refractive = n<sub>ω</sub> = 1.550 n<sub>ε</sub> = 1.650
| birefringence = δ = 0.155 | birefringence = δ = 0.155
| pleochroism = | pleochroism =
| 2V = Measured 18–19° | 2V = Measured 18–19°
| dispersion = Weak | dispersion = Weak
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| length fast/slow = | length fast/slow =
| fluorescence = Faint white-blue to ] | fluorescence = Faint white-blue to ]
| absorption = | absorption =
| melt = | melt =
| fusibility = | fusibility =
| diagnostic = | diagnostic =
| solubility = Soluble in acids, and saltwater (but takes longer) | solubility = Soluble in acids, and saltwater (but takes longer)
| impurities = Commonly ], ], ] | impurities = Commonly ], ], ]
| alteration = | alteration =
| other = Thermodynamically unstable, Morphs slowly back into ] | other = Thermodynamically unstable, Morphs slowly back into ]
| prop1 = | prop1 =
| prop1text = | prop1text =
| references = <ref>{{cite web | url=https://geologyscience.com/minerals/aragonite | title=Aragonite Properties, Occurrence » Geology Science | date=26 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Mindat |id=307 |name=Aragonite}}</ref>}} | references = <ref>{{cite web | url=https://geologyscience.com/minerals/aragonite | title=Aragonite Properties, Occurrence » Geology Science | date=26 October 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Mindat |id=307 |name=Aragonite}}</ref>}}


'''Aragonite''' is a ] and one of the three most common naturally occurring ] of ] ({{chem2|]]}}), the others being ] and ]. It is formed by ] processes, including ] from ] and ] environments. '''Aragonite''' is a ] and one of the three most common naturally occurring ] of ] ({{chem2|]]}}), the others being ] and ]. It is formed by ] processes, including ] from ] and ] environments.


] ]


The ] of aragonite differs from that of ], resulting in a different crystal shape, an ] with ].<ref>{{cite journal |last=Bragg|first=William Lawrence |date=1924-01-01 |title=The structure of aragonite |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Containing Papers of a Mathematical and Physical Character |language=en |volume=105 |issue=729 |pages=16–39 |doi=10.1098/rspa.1924.0002 |bibcode=1924RSPSA.105...16B |issn=0950-1207|doi-access=free }}</ref> Repeated ] results in pseudo-hexagonal forms. Aragonite may be columnar or fibrous, occasionally in branching ] forms called ''flos-ferri'' ("flowers of iron") from their association with the ]s at the ] iron mines.<ref name=Sinkankas>{{cite book |last1=Sinkankas |first1=John |title=Mineralogy for amateurs. |date=1964 |publisher=Van Nostrand |location=Princeton, N.J. |isbn=0442276249 |pages=371–372}}</ref> The ] of aragonite differs from that of calcite, resulting in a different crystal shape, an ] with ].<ref>{{cite journal |last=Bragg|first=William Lawrence |date=1924-01-01 |title=The structure of aragonite |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Containing Papers of a Mathematical and Physical Character |language=en |volume=105 |issue=729 |pages=16–39 |doi=10.1098/rspa.1924.0002 |bibcode=1924RSPSA.105...16B |issn=0950-1207|doi-access=free }}</ref> Repeated ] results in pseudo-hexagonal forms. Aragonite may be columnar or fibrous, occasionally in branching ] forms called ''flos-ferri'' ("flowers of iron") from their association with the ]s at the ] iron mines.<ref name=Sinkankas>{{cite book |last1=Sinkankas |first1=John |title=Mineralogy for amateurs. |date=1964 |publisher=Van Nostrand |location=Princeton, N.J. |isbn=0442276249 |pages=371–372}}</ref>


==Occurrence== ==Occurrence==
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In the US, aragonite in the form of ]s and "cave flowers" (]) is known from ] and other caves.<ref name="Gonzalez-Lohmann-1988">{{Cite book | author1-last=Gonzalez | author1-first=Luis A. |author2-last=Lohmann |author2-first=Kyger C. |chapter=Controls on Mineralogy and Composition of Spelean Carbonates: Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico |editor1-last=James |editor1-first=Noel P. |editor2-last=Choquette |editor2-first=Philip W. |title=Paleokarst |pages=81–101 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |location=New York |date=1988 |isbn=978-1-4612-3748-8 |doi=10.1007/978-1-4612-3748-8}}</ref> For a few years in the early 1900s, aragonite was mined at ] (now a ghost town).<ref name="Balaz2009">{{cite book |title=An Explorer's Guide: Utah |publisher=The Countryman Press |author=Balaz, Christine |year=2009 |location=Vermont |page=368 |isbn=978-0-88150-738-6}}</ref> In the US, aragonite in the form of ]s and "cave flowers" (]) is known from ] and other caves.<ref name="Gonzalez-Lohmann-1988">{{Cite book | author1-last=Gonzalez | author1-first=Luis A. |author2-last=Lohmann |author2-first=Kyger C. |chapter=Controls on Mineralogy and Composition of Spelean Carbonates: Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico |editor1-last=James |editor1-first=Noel P. |editor2-last=Choquette |editor2-first=Philip W. |title=Paleokarst |pages=81–101 |publisher=Springer-Verlag |location=New York |date=1988 |isbn=978-1-4612-3748-8 |doi=10.1007/978-1-4612-3748-8}}</ref> For a few years in the early 1900s, aragonite was mined at ] (now a ghost town).<ref name="Balaz2009">{{cite book |title=An Explorer's Guide: Utah |publisher=The Countryman Press |author=Balaz, Christine |year=2009 |location=Vermont |page=368 |isbn=978-0-88150-738-6}}</ref>


Massive deposits of ] are found on the seabed in the ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Newell |first1=Norman D. |last2=Purdy |first2=Edward G. |last3=Imbrie |first3=John |date=1960 |title=Bahamian Oölitic Sand |journal=The Journal of Geology |volume=68 |issue=5 |pages=481–497 |doi=10.1086/626683 |bibcode=1960JG.....68..481N |s2cid=129571671 |issn=0022-1376}}</ref> Massive deposits of ] are found on the seabed in ].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Newell |first1=Norman D. |last2=Purdy |first2=Edward G. |last3=Imbrie |first3=John |date=1960 |title=Bahamian Oölitic Sand |journal=The Journal of Geology |volume=68 |issue=5 |pages=481–497 |doi=10.1086/626683 |bibcode=1960JG.....68..481N |s2cid=129571671 |issn=0022-1376}}</ref>
]
⚫ Aragonite is the high pressure ] of ]. As such, it occurs in high pressure ]s such as those formed at ].<ref name=Nesse>{{cite book |last1=Nesse |first1=William D. |title=Introduction to mineralogy |date=2000 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=New York |isbn=9780195106916 |pages=336–337}}</ref>


⚫ Aragonite forms naturally in almost all ] shells, and as the ] of warm- and cold-water ]s (]). Several ] have aragonitic tubes.<ref name=Boggs>{{cite book |last1=Boggs |first1=Sam |title=Principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy |date=2006 |publisher=Pearson Prentice Hall |location=Upper Saddle River, N.J. |isbn=0131547283 |edition=4th |pages=161–164}}</ref> Because the mineral deposition in mollusk shells is strongly biologically controlled,<ref name=BelcherEtAl>{{cite journal |last1=Belcher |first1=A. M. |last2=Wu |first2=X. H. |last3=Christensen |first3=R. J. |last4=Hansma |first4=P. K. |last5=Stucky |first5=G. D. |last6=Morse |first6=D. E. |title=Control of crystal phase switching and orientation by soluble mollusc-shell proteins |journal=Nature |date=May 1996 |volume=381 |issue=6577 |pages=56–58 |doi=10.1038/381056a0|bibcode=1996Natur.381...56B |s2cid=4285912 }}</ref> some crystal forms are distinctively different from those of inorganic aragonite.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chateigner |first1=D. |last2=Ouhenia |first2=S. |last3=Krauss |first3=C. |last4=Belkhir |first4=M. |last5=Morales |first5=M. |title=Structural distortion of biogenic aragonite in strongly textured mollusc shell layers |journal=Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms |date=February 2010 |volume=268 |issue=3–4 |pages=341–345 |doi=10.1016/j.nimb.2009.07.007|bibcode=2010NIMPB.268..341C }}</ref> In some mollusks, the entire shell is aragonite;<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Loftus |first1=Emma |last2=Rogers |first2=Keith |last3=Lee-Thorp |first3=Julia |author-link3=Julia Lee-Thorp |date=November 2015 |title=A simple method to establish calcite:aragonite ratios in archaeological mollusc shells: CALCITE:ARAGONITE IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SHELLS |journal=Journal of Quaternary Science |volume=30 |issue=8 |pages=731–735 |doi=10.1002/jqs.2819 |s2cid=130591343}}</ref> in others, aragonite forms only discrete parts of a bimineralic shell (aragonite plus calcite).<ref name=BelcherEtAl/> The nacreous layer of the aragonite ] shells of some extinct ]s forms an ] material called ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mychaluk |first1=Keith A. |last2=Levinson |first2=Alfred A. |last3=Hall |first3=Russel L. |title=Ammolite: Iridescent fossilized ammonite from southern Alberta, Canada |journal=Gems & Gemology |date=Spring 2001 |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=4–25 |doi=10.5741/GEMS.37.1.4 |url=https://www.gia.edu/doc/Iridescent-Fossilized-Ammonite-from-Southern-Alberta-Canada.pdf |access-date=1 August 2021}}</ref>
⚫ Aragonite is the high pressure ] of ]. As such, it occurs in high pressure metamorphic rocks such as those formed at ].<ref name=Nesse>{{cite book |last1=Nesse |first1=William D. |title=Introduction to mineralogy |date=2000 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=New York |isbn=9780195106916 |pages=336–337}}</ref>

⚫ Aragonite forms naturally in almost all ] shells, and as the ] of warm- and cold-water ]s (]). Several ] have aragonitic tubes.<ref name=Boggs>{{cite book |last1=Boggs |first1=Sam |title=Principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy |date=2006 |publisher=Pearson Prentice Hall |location=Upper Saddle River, N.J. |isbn=0131547283 |edition=4th |pages=161–164}}</ref> Because the mineral deposition in mollusk shells is strongly biologically controlled,<ref name=BelcherEtAl>{{cite journal |last1=Belcher |first1=A. M. |last2=Wu |first2=X. H. |last3=Christensen |first3=R. J. |last4=Hansma |first4=P. K. |last5=Stucky |first5=G. D. |last6=Morse |first6=D. E. |title=Control of crystal phase switching and orientation by soluble mollusc-shell proteins |journal=Nature |date=May 1996 |volume=381 |issue=6577 |pages=56–58 |doi=10.1038/381056a0|bibcode=1996Natur.381...56B |s2cid=4285912 }}</ref> some crystal forms are distinctively different from those of inorganic aragonite.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Chateigner |first1=D. |last2=Ouhenia |first2=S. |last3=Krauss |first3=C. |last4=Belkhir |first4=M. |last5=Morales |first5=M. |title=Structural distortion of biogenic aragonite in strongly textured mollusc shell layers |journal=Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms |date=February 2010 |volume=268 |issue=3–4 |pages=341–345 |doi=10.1016/j.nimb.2009.07.007|bibcode=2010NIMPB.268..341C }}</ref> In some mollusks, the entire shell is aragonite;<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Loftus |first1=Emma |last2=Rogers |first2=Keith |last3=Lee-Thorp |first3=Julia |title=A simple method to establish calcite:aragonite ratios in archaeological mollusc shells: CALCITE:ARAGONITE IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SHELLS |journal=Journal of Quaternary Science |date=November 2015 |volume=30 |issue=8 |pages=731–735 |doi=10.1002/jqs.2819|s2cid=130591343 }}</ref> in others, aragonite forms only discrete parts of a bimineralic shell (aragonite plus calcite).<ref name=BelcherEtAl/> The nacreous layer of the aragonite ] shells of some extinct ]s forms an ] material called ].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mychaluk |first1=Keith A. |last2=Levinson |first2=Alfred A. |last3=Hall |first3=Russel L. |title=Ammolite: Iridescent fossilized ammonite from southern Alberta, Canada |journal=Gems & Gemology |date=Spring 2001 |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=4–25 |doi=10.5741/GEMS.37.1.4 |url=https://www.gia.edu/doc/Iridescent-Fossilized-Ammonite-from-Southern-Alberta-Canada.pdf |access-date=1 August 2021}}</ref>


Aragonite also forms naturally in the endocarp of '']''.<ref>{{Cite journal |author1=Wang, Jang |author2=Jahren, A. Hope |author3=Amundsen, Ronald |year=1996 |title=Potential For Dating Of Biogenic Carbon In Hackberry (Celtis) Endocarps |url=http://eoas.fsu.edu/sites/default/files/u12/Faculty-Misc/Wang/pubs/potential-Cdating-biogenic-carbonate-hackberry-endocarps.pdf |journal=Quaternary Research |volume=47 |pages=337–343 |doi=10.1006/qres.1997.1894 |s2cid=49232599}}{{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Aragonite also forms naturally in the endocarp of '']''.<ref>{{Cite journal |author1=Wang, Jang |author2=Jahren, A. Hope |author3=Amundsen, Ronald |year=1996 |title=Potential For Dating Of Biogenic Carbon In Hackberry (Celtis) Endocarps |url=http://eoas.fsu.edu/sites/default/files/u12/Faculty-Misc/Wang/pubs/potential-Cdating-biogenic-carbonate-hackberry-endocarps.pdf |journal=Quaternary Research |volume=47 |pages=337–343 |doi=10.1006/qres.1997.1894 |s2cid=49232599}}{{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


The skeleton of some ]s is made of aragonite. The skeleton of some ]s is made of aragonite.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}


Aragonite also forms in the ocean inorganic precipitates called marine cements (in the ]) or as free crystals (in the water column).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bialik |first1=Or M. |last2=Sisma-Ventura |first2=Guy |last3=Vogt-Vincent |first3=Noam |last4=Silverman |first4=Jacob |last5=Katz |first5=Timor |title=Role of oceanic abiotic carbonate precipitation in future atmospheric CO2 regulation |journal=Scientific Reports |date=24 September 2022 |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=15970 |doi=10.1038/s41598-022-20446-7|pmid=36153366 |pmc=9509385 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Tucker |first1=Maurice E. |title=Carbonate sedimentology |date=1990 |publisher=Blackwell Scientific Publications |location=Oxford |isbn=9781444314175}}</ref> Aragonite also forms in the ocean inorganic precipitates called marine cements (in the ]) or as free crystals (in the water column).<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bialik |first1=Or M. |last2=Sisma-Ventura |first2=Guy |last3=Vogt-Vincent |first3=Noam |last4=Silverman |first4=Jacob |last5=Katz |first5=Timor |title=Role of oceanic abiotic carbonate precipitation in future atmospheric CO2 regulation |journal=Scientific Reports |date=24 September 2022 |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=15970 |doi=10.1038/s41598-022-20446-7|pmid=36153366 |pmc=9509385 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Tucker |first1=Maurice E. |title=Carbonate sedimentology |date=1990 |publisher=Blackwell Scientific Publications |location=Oxford |isbn=9781444314175}}</ref>
Inorganic precipitation of aragonite in caves can occur in the form of ]s.{{sfn|Nesse|2000|p=337}} Aragonite is common in serpentinites where magnesium-rich pore solutions apparently inhibit calcite growth and promote aragonite precipitation.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bonatti |first1=E. |last2=Lawrence |first2=J.R. |last3=Hamlyn |first3=P.R. |last4=Breger |first4=D. |title=Aragonite from deep sea ultramafic rocks |journal=Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta |date=August 1980 |volume=44 |issue=8 |pages=1207–1214 |doi=10.1016/0016-7037(80)90074-5|bibcode=1980GeCoA..44.1207B }}</ref> Inorganic precipitation of aragonite in caves can occur in the form of ]s.{{sfn|Nesse|2000|p=337}} Aragonite is common in serpentinites where magnesium-rich pore solutions apparently inhibit calcite growth and promote aragonite precipitation.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bonatti |first1=E. |last2=Lawrence |first2=J.R. |last3=Hamlyn |first3=P.R. |last4=Breger |first4=D. |title=Aragonite from deep sea ultramafic rocks |journal=Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta |date=August 1980 |volume=44 |issue=8 |pages=1207–1214 |doi=10.1016/0016-7037(80)90074-5|bibcode=1980GeCoA..44.1207B }}</ref>


Aragonite is ] at the low pressures near the Earth's surface and is thus commonly replaced by calcite in fossils. Aragonite older than the ] is essentially unknown.<ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1080/03115518508618971| title = Shell microstructures of Cambrian molluscs replicated by phosphate| year = 1987| last1 = Runnegar | first1 = B.| journal = Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology| volume = 9| issue = 4| pages = 245–257 }}</ref> Aragonite is ] at the low pressures near the Earth's surface and is thus commonly replaced by calcite in fossils. Aragonite older than the ] is essentially unknown.<ref>{{Cite journal| doi = 10.1080/03115518508618971| title = Shell microstructures of Cambrian molluscs replicated by phosphate| year = 1987| last1 = Runnegar | first1 = B.| journal = Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology| volume = 9| issue = 4| pages = 245–257 }}</ref>


Aragonite can be synthesized by adding a ] solution to a ] solution at temperatures above {{convert|60|C}} or in water-ethanol mixtures at ambient temperatures.<ref>Sand, K.K., Rodriguez-Blanco, J.D., Makovicky, E., Benning, L.G. and Stipp, S. (2012) Crystallization of CaCO3 in water-ethanol mixtures: spherulitic growth, polymorph stabilization and morphology change. Crystal Growth & Design, 12, 842-853. {{doi|10.1021/cg2012342}}.</ref> Aragonite can be synthesized by adding a ] solution to a ] solution at temperatures above {{convert|60|C}} or in water-ethanol mixtures at ambient temperatures.<ref>Sand, K.K., Rodriguez-Blanco, J.D., Makovicky, E., Benning, L.G. and Stipp, S. (2012) Crystallization of CaCO3 in water-ethanol mixtures: spherulitic growth, polymorph stabilization and morphology change. Crystal Growth & Design, 12, 842–853. {{doi|10.1021/cg2012342}}.</ref>


==Physical properties== ==Physical properties==
Aragonite is not the ] stable phase of calcium carbonate at any pressure below about {{convert|3000|bar||sp=us}} at any temperature.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Carlson |first1=W.D. |year=1980 |title=The calcite–aragonite equilibrium: effects of Sr substitution and anion orientational disorder |journal=American Mineralogist |volume=65 |number=11–12 |pages=1252–1262 |url=https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/msa/ammin/article-abstract/65/11-12/1252/104707/The-calcite-aragonite-equilibrium-effects-of-Sr |access-date=31 July 2021}}</ref> Aragonite nonetheless frequently forms in near-surface environments at ambient temperatures. The weak ]s inside aragonite give an important contribution to both the crystallographic and elastic properties of this mineral.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ulian |first1=Gianfranco |last2=Valdrè |first2=Giovanni |date=2022-09-01 |title=Structural and elastic behaviour of aragonite at high-pressure: A contribution from first-principle simulations |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927025622003457 |journal=Computational Materials Science |language=en |volume=212 |pages=111600 |doi=10.1016/j.commatsci.2022.111600 |s2cid=250059382 |issn=0927-0256}}</ref> The difference in stability between aragonite and calcite, as measured by the ], is small, and effects of grain size and impurities can be important. The formation of aragonite at temperatures and pressures where calcite should be the stable polymorph may be an example of ], where a less stable phase is the first to form.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fyfe |first1=W.S. |year=1964 |title=Calcite aragonite problem |journal=AAPG Bulletin |volume=48 |number=4 |pages=526 |url=https://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/1961-64/images/pg/00480004/0500/05260.pdf |access-date=31 July 2021}}</ref> The presence of ] ions may inhibit calcite formation in favor of aragonite.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kitano |first1=Yasushi |last2=Park |first2=Kilho |last3=Hood |first3=Donald W. |title=Pure aragonite synthesis |journal=Journal of Geophysical Research |date=November 1962 |volume=67 |issue=12 |pages=4873–4874 |doi=10.1029/JZ067i012p04873|bibcode=1962JGR....67.4873K }}</ref> Once formed, aragonite tends to alter to ] on scales of 10<sup>7</sup> to 10<sup>8</sup> years.<ref name=BMM>{{cite book |last1=Blatt |first1=Harvey |last2=Middleton |first2=Gerard |last3=Murray |first3=Raymond |title=Origin of sedimentary rocks |date=1980 |publisher=Prentice-Hall |location=Englewood Cliffs, N.J. |isbn=0136427103 |edition=2d}}</ref> Comparing to the calcite, aragonite Aragonite is a ] unstable phase of calcium carbonate at any pressure below about {{convert|3000|bar||sp=us}} at any temperature.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Carlson |first1=W.D. |year=1980 |title=The calcite–aragonite equilibrium: effects of Sr substitution and anion orientational disorder |journal=American Mineralogist |volume=65 |number=11–12 |pages=1252–1262 |url=https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/msa/ammin/article-abstract/65/11-12/1252/104707/The-calcite-aragonite-equilibrium-effects-of-Sr |access-date=31 July 2021}}</ref> Aragonite nonetheless frequently forms in near-surface environments at ambient temperatures. The weak ]s inside aragonite give an important contribution to both the crystallographic and elastic properties of this mineral.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Ulian |first1=Gianfranco |last2=Valdrè |first2=Giovanni |date=2022-09-01 |title=Structural and elastic behaviour of aragonite at high-pressure: A contribution from first-principle simulations |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927025622003457 |journal=Computational Materials Science |language=en |volume=212 |pages=111600 |doi=10.1016/j.commatsci.2022.111600 |hdl=11585/893023 |s2cid=250059382 |issn=0927-0256|hdl-access=free }}</ref> The difference in stability between aragonite and calcite, as measured by the ], is small, and effects of grain size and impurities can be important. The formation of aragonite at temperatures and pressures where calcite should be the stable polymorph may be an example of ], where a less stable phase is the first to form.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fyfe |first1=W.S. |year=1964 |title=Calcite aragonite problem |journal=AAPG Bulletin |volume=48 |number=4 |pages=526 |url=https://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/1961-64/images/pg/00480004/0500/05260.pdf |access-date=31 July 2021}}</ref> The presence of ] ions may inhibit calcite formation in favor of aragonite.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kitano |first1=Yasushi |last2=Park |first2=Kilho |last3=Hood |first3=Donald W. |title=Pure aragonite synthesis |journal=Journal of Geophysical Research |date=November 1962 |volume=67 |issue=12 |pages=4873–4874 |doi=10.1029/JZ067i012p04873|bibcode=1962JGR....67.4873K }}</ref> Once formed, aragonite tends to alter to ] on scales of 10<sup>7</sup> to 10<sup>8</sup> years.<ref name=BMM>{{cite book |last1=Blatt |first1=Harvey |last2=Middleton |first2=Gerard |last3=Murray |first3=Raymond |title=Origin of sedimentary rocks |date=1980 |publisher=Prentice-Hall |location=Englewood Cliffs, N.J. |isbn=0136427103 |edition=2d}}</ref>


The mineral ], also known as μ-CaCO<sub>3</sub>, is another phase of calcium carbonate that is ] at ambient conditions typical of Earth's surface, and decomposes even more readily than aragonite.<ref name="Ni_and_Ratner_2008 ">{{cite journal | title=Differentiation of Calcium Carbonate Polymorphs by Surface Analysis Techniques – An XPS and TOF-SIMS study | last1=Ni | first1=M. | last2=Ratner | first2=B.D. | journal=Surf. Interface Anal. | year=2008 | volume=40 | issue=10 | pages=1356–1361 | doi=10.1002/sia.2904 | pmid=25031482| pmc=4096336 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kamiya |first1=Kanichi |last2=Sakka |first2=Sumio |last3=Terada |first3=Katsuyuki |title=Aragonite formation through precipitation of calcium carbonate monohydrate |journal=Materials Research Bulletin |date=November 1977 |volume=12 |issue=11 |pages=1095–1102 |doi=10.1016/0025-5408(77)90038-1}}</ref> The mineral ], also known as μ-CaCO<sub>3</sub>, is another phase of calcium carbonate that is ] at ambient conditions typical of Earth's surface, and decomposes even more readily than aragonite.<ref name="Ni_and_Ratner_2008 ">{{cite journal | title=Differentiation of Calcium Carbonate Polymorphs by Surface Analysis Techniques – An XPS and TOF-SIMS study | last1=Ni | first1=M. | last2=Ratner | first2=B.D. | journal=Surf. Interface Anal. | year=2008 | volume=40 | issue=10 | pages=1356–1361 | doi=10.1002/sia.2904 | pmid=25031482| pmc=4096336 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kamiya |first1=Kanichi |last2=Sakka |first2=Sumio |last3=Terada |first3=Katsuyuki |title=Aragonite formation through precipitation of calcium carbonate monohydrate |journal=Materials Research Bulletin |date=November 1977 |volume=12 |issue=11 |pages=1095–1102 |doi=10.1016/0025-5408(77)90038-1}}</ref>
Line 91: Line 91:
== Uses == == Uses ==
In ], 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 ] of ] ].<ref>Orr, J. C., et al. (2005) In ], 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 ] of ] ].<ref>Orr, J. C., et al. (2005)
Anthropogenic ocean acidification over the 21st century and its impact on calcifying organisms. Nature 437: 681-686</ref> Anthropogenic ocean acidification over the 21st century and its impact on calcifying organisms. Nature 437: 681–686</ref>

⚫ Aragonite has been successfully tested for the removal of pollutants like ], ] and ] from contaminated wastewaters.<ref>Köhler, S., Cubillas, et al. (2007) Removal of cadmium from wastewaters by aragonite shells and the influence of other divalent cations. Environmental Science and Technology, 41, 112-118. {{doi|10.1021/es060756j}}</ref>


⚫ Aragonite has been successfully tested for the removal of pollutants like ], ] and ] from contaminated wastewaters.<ref>Köhler, S., Cubillas, et al. (2007) Removal of cadmium from wastewaters by aragonite shells and the influence of other divalent cations. Environmental Science and Technology, 41, 112–118. {{doi|10.1021/es060756j}}</ref>
Claims that ] can reduce ], by converting calcite to aragonite, have been met with skepticism,<ref name="Krauter1996">
{{cite journal
|last1=Krauter |first1=PW
|last2=Harrar |first2=JE
|last3=Orloff |first3=SP
|last4=Bahowick |first4=SM
|year=1996
|title=Test of a Magnetic Device for Amelioration of Scale Formation at Treatment Facility D
|url=http://www.osti.gov/bridge/servlets/purl/567404-bQ4DwB/webviewable/567404.pdf
|journal=Internal Report
|publisher=]
|access-date=2009-12-11
|osti=567404
|doi=10.2172/567404
}}</ref> but continue to be investigated.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Coey |first1=J.M.D. |title=Magnetic water treatment – how might it work? |journal=Philosophical Magazine |date=November 2012 |volume=92 |issue=31 |pages=3857–3865 |doi=10.1080/14786435.2012.685968|bibcode=2012PMag...92.3857C |s2cid=96367372 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kozic |first1=Viljem |last2=Hamler |first2=Anton |last3=Ban |first3=Irena |last4=Lipus |first4=Lucija C. |title=Magnetic water treatment for scale control in heating and alkaline conditions |journal=Desalination and Water Treatment |date=October 2010 |volume=22 |issue=1–3 |pages=65–71 |doi=10.5004/dwt.2010.1549}}</ref>


==Gallery== ==Gallery==
Line 132: Line 116:


==External links== ==External links==
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{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}

Latest revision as of 03:42, 21 December 2024

Calcium carbonate mineral
Aragonite
Aragonite from Los Molinillos, Cuenca, Spain, sample width about 4 cm
General
CategoryCarbonate minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)		Ca CO3
IMA symbolArg (not to be confused with arginine)
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Unit celll a = 4.9598(5) Å, b = 7.9641(9) Å, and c = 5.7379(6) Å at 25 °C
Identification
ColorCan come in a variety of colors, but commonly red or white
Crystal habitCommonly dendritic or pseudo-hexagonal; can also be acicular, tabular, prismatic, coral-like
TwinningCyclic on {110}, forms pseudohexagonal aggregates. If polysynthetic, forms fine striations parallel to .
CleavageGood on , Poor on {110}.
FractureSubconchoidal
TenacityVery brittle
Mohs scale hardness3.5–4
LusterVitreous, waxy, resinous
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTransparent to opaque
Specific gravity2.94
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnω = 1.550 nε = 1.650
Birefringenceδ = 0.155
2V angleMeasured 18–19°
DispersionWeak
ExtinctionParallel
Ultraviolet fluorescenceFaint white-blue to blue-violet
SolubilitySoluble in acids, and saltwater (but takes longer)
Common impuritiesCommonly strontium, zirconium, lead
Other characteristicsThermodynamically unstable, Morphs slowly back into calcite
References

Aragonite is a carbonate mineral and one of the three most common naturally occurring crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), the others being calcite and vaterite. It is formed by biological and physical processes, including precipitation from marine and freshwater environments.

Aragonite crystal structure

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.

Occurrence

The type location for aragonite is Molina de Aragón in the Province of Guadalajara in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, for which it was named in 1797. Aragonite is found in this locality as cyclic twins inside gypsum and marls of the Keuper facies of the Triassic. This type of aragonite deposit is very common in Spain, and there are also some in France.

An aragonite cave, the Ochtinská Aragonite Cave, is situated in Slovakia.

In the US, aragonite in the form of stalactites and "cave flowers" (anthodite) is known from Carlsbad Caverns and other caves. For a few years in the early 1900s, aragonite was mined at Aragonite, Utah (now a ghost town).

Massive deposits of oolitic aragonite sand are found on the seabed in the Bahamas.

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.

Aragonite forms naturally in almost all mollusk shells, and as the calcareous endoskeleton of warm- and cold-water corals (Scleractinia). Several serpulids have aragonitic tubes. Because the mineral deposition in mollusk shells is strongly biologically controlled, some crystal forms are distinctively different from those of inorganic aragonite. In some mollusks, the entire shell is aragonite; in others, aragonite forms only discrete parts of a bimineralic shell (aragonite plus calcite). The nacreous layer of the aragonite fossil shells of some extinct ammonites forms an iridescent material called ammolite.

Aragonite also forms naturally in the endocarp of Celtis occidentalis.

The skeleton of some calcareous sponges is made of aragonite.

Aragonite also forms in the ocean inorganic precipitates called marine cements (in the sediment) or as free crystals (in the water column). Inorganic precipitation of aragonite in caves can occur in the form of speleothems. Aragonite is common in serpentinites where magnesium-rich pore solutions apparently inhibit calcite growth and promote aragonite precipitation.

Aragonite is metastable at the low pressures near the Earth's surface and is thus commonly replaced by calcite in fossils. Aragonite older than the Carboniferous is essentially unknown.

Aragonite can be synthesized by adding a calcium chloride solution to a sodium carbonate solution at temperatures above 60 °C (140 °F) or in water-ethanol mixtures at ambient temperatures.

Physical properties

Aragonite is a thermodynamically unstable phase of calcium carbonate at any pressure below about 3,000 bars (300,000 kPa) at any temperature. Aragonite nonetheless frequently forms in near-surface environments at ambient temperatures. The weak Van der Waals forces inside aragonite give an important contribution to both the crystallographic and elastic properties of this mineral. The difference in stability between aragonite and calcite, as measured by the Gibbs free energy of formation, is small, and effects of grain size and impurities can be important. The formation of aragonite at temperatures and pressures where calcite should be the stable polymorph may be an example of Ostwald's step rule, where a less stable phase is the first to form. The presence of magnesium ions may inhibit calcite formation in favor of aragonite. Once formed, aragonite tends to alter to calcite on scales of 10 to 10 years.

The mineral vaterite, also known as μ-CaCO3, is another phase of calcium carbonate that is metastable at ambient conditions typical of Earth's surface, and decomposes even more readily than aragonite.

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.

Gallery

See also

References

  1. Warr, L. N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. Dickens, B.; Bowen, J. S. (1971). "Refinement of the Crystal Structure of the Aragonite Phase of CaCO(3)". Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards Section A. 75A (1): 27–32. doi:10.6028/jres.075A.004. PMC 6715969. PMID 34876711.
  3. "Aragonite Properties, Occurrence » Geology Science". 26 October 2021.
  4. "Aragonite". Mindat.org.
  5. Bragg, William Lawrence (1924-01-01). "The structure of aragonite". Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Containing Papers of a Mathematical and Physical Character. 105 (729): 16–39. Bibcode:1924RSPSA.105...16B. doi:10.1098/rspa.1924.0002. ISSN 0950-1207.
  6. ^ Sinkankas, John (1964). Mineralogy for amateurs. Princeton, N.J.: Van Nostrand. pp. 371–372. ISBN 0442276249.
  7. Cairncross, B.; McCarthy, T. (2015). Understanding Minerals & Crystals. Cape Town: Struik Nature. p. 187. ISBN 978-1-43170-084-4.
  8. Calvo, Miguel (2012). Minerales y Minas de España. Vol. V. Carbonatos y Nitratos. Madrid: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Minas de Madrid. Fundación Gómez Pardo. pp. 314–398. ISBN 978-84-95063-98-4.
  9. Pukanská, Katarína; Bartoš, Karol; Bella, Pavel; Gašinec, Juraj; Blistan, Peter; Kovanič, Ľudovít (4 July 2020). "Surveying and High-Resolution Topography of the Ochtiná Aragonite Cave Based on TLS and Digital Photogrammetry". Applied Sciences. 10 (13): 4633. doi:10.3390/app10134633.
  10. Gonzalez, Luis A.; Lohmann, Kyger C. (1988). "Controls on Mineralogy and Composition of Spelean Carbonates: Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico". In James, Noel P.; Choquette, Philip W. (eds.). Paleokarst. New York: Springer-Verlag. pp. 81–101. doi:10.1007/978-1-4612-3748-8. ISBN 978-1-4612-3748-8.
  11. Balaz, Christine (2009). An Explorer's Guide: Utah. Vermont: The Countryman Press. p. 368. ISBN 978-0-88150-738-6.
  12. Newell, Norman D.; Purdy, Edward G.; Imbrie, John (1960). "Bahamian Oölitic Sand". The Journal of Geology. 68 (5): 481–497. Bibcode:1960JG.....68..481N. doi:10.1086/626683. ISSN 0022-1376. S2CID 129571671.
  13. Nesse, William D. (2000). Introduction to mineralogy. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 336–337. ISBN 9780195106916.
  14. Boggs, Sam (2006). Principles of sedimentology and stratigraphy (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall. pp. 161–164. ISBN 0131547283.
  15. ^ Belcher, A. M.; Wu, X. H.; Christensen, R. J.; Hansma, P. K.; Stucky, G. D.; Morse, D. E. (May 1996). "Control of crystal phase switching and orientation by soluble mollusc-shell proteins". Nature. 381 (6577): 56–58. Bibcode:1996Natur.381...56B. doi:10.1038/381056a0. S2CID 4285912.
  16. Chateigner, D.; Ouhenia, S.; Krauss, C.; Belkhir, M.; Morales, M. (February 2010). "Structural distortion of biogenic aragonite in strongly textured mollusc shell layers". Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms. 268 (3–4): 341–345. Bibcode:2010NIMPB.268..341C. doi:10.1016/j.nimb.2009.07.007.
  17. Loftus, Emma; Rogers, Keith; Lee-Thorp, Julia (November 2015). "A simple method to establish calcite:aragonite ratios in archaeological mollusc shells: CALCITE:ARAGONITE IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SHELLS". Journal of Quaternary Science. 30 (8): 731–735. doi:10.1002/jqs.2819. S2CID 130591343.
  18. Mychaluk, Keith A.; Levinson, Alfred A.; Hall, Russel L. (Spring 2001). "Ammolite: Iridescent fossilized ammonite from southern Alberta, Canada" (PDF). Gems & Gemology. 37 (1): 4–25. doi:10.5741/GEMS.37.1.4. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  19. Wang, Jang; Jahren, A. Hope; Amundsen, Ronald (1996). "Potential For [Carbon 14] Dating Of Biogenic Carbon In Hackberry (Celtis) Endocarps" (PDF). Quaternary Research. 47: 337–343. doi:10.1006/qres.1997.1894. S2CID 49232599.
  20. Bialik, Or M.; Sisma-Ventura, Guy; Vogt-Vincent, Noam; Silverman, Jacob; Katz, Timor (24 September 2022). "Role of oceanic abiotic carbonate precipitation in future atmospheric CO2 regulation". Scientific Reports. 12 (1): 15970. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-20446-7. PMC 9509385. PMID 36153366.
  21. Tucker, Maurice E. (1990). Carbonate sedimentology. Oxford : Blackwell Scientific Publications. ISBN 9781444314175.
  22. Nesse 2000, p. 337.
  23. Bonatti, E.; Lawrence, J.R.; Hamlyn, P.R.; Breger, D. (August 1980). "Aragonite from deep sea ultramafic rocks". Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 44 (8): 1207–1214. Bibcode:1980GeCoA..44.1207B. doi:10.1016/0016-7037(80)90074-5.
  24. Runnegar, B. (1987). "Shell microstructures of Cambrian molluscs replicated by phosphate". Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology. 9 (4): 245–257. doi:10.1080/03115518508618971.
  25. Sand, K.K., Rodriguez-Blanco, J.D., Makovicky, E., Benning, L.G. and Stipp, S. (2012) Crystallization of CaCO3 in water-ethanol mixtures: spherulitic growth, polymorph stabilization and morphology change. Crystal Growth & Design, 12, 842–853. doi:10.1021/cg2012342.
  26. Carlson, W.D. (1980). "The calcite–aragonite equilibrium: effects of Sr substitution and anion orientational disorder". American Mineralogist. 65 (11–12): 1252–1262. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  27. Ulian, Gianfranco; Valdrè, Giovanni (2022-09-01). "Structural and elastic behaviour of aragonite at high-pressure: A contribution from first-principle simulations". Computational Materials Science. 212: 111600. doi:10.1016/j.commatsci.2022.111600. hdl:11585/893023. ISSN 0927-0256. S2CID 250059382.
  28. Fyfe, W.S. (1964). "Calcite aragonite problem" (PDF). AAPG Bulletin. 48 (4): 526. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
  29. Kitano, Yasushi; Park, Kilho; Hood, Donald W. (November 1962). "Pure aragonite synthesis". Journal of Geophysical Research. 67 (12): 4873–4874. Bibcode:1962JGR....67.4873K. doi:10.1029/JZ067i012p04873.
  30. Blatt, Harvey; Middleton, Gerard; Murray, Raymond (1980). Origin of sedimentary rocks (2d ed.). Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall. ISBN 0136427103.
  31. Ni, M.; Ratner, B.D. (2008). "Differentiation of Calcium Carbonate Polymorphs by Surface Analysis Techniques – An XPS and TOF-SIMS study". Surf. Interface Anal. 40 (10): 1356–1361. doi:10.1002/sia.2904. PMC 4096336. PMID 25031482.
  32. Kamiya, Kanichi; Sakka, Sumio; Terada, Katsuyuki (November 1977). "Aragonite formation through precipitation of calcium carbonate monohydrate". Materials Research Bulletin. 12 (11): 1095–1102. doi:10.1016/0025-5408(77)90038-1.
  33. Orr, J. C., et al. (2005) Anthropogenic ocean acidification over the 21st century and its impact on calcifying organisms. Nature 437: 681–686
  34. Köhler, S., Cubillas, et al. (2007) Removal of cadmium from wastewaters by aragonite shells and the influence of other divalent cations. Environmental Science and Technology, 41, 112–118. doi:10.1021/es060756j

External links

Categories: