Aragonite is a calcium carbonate crystal that occurs mostly in the fresh and marine water areas. It is a natural element formed from the chemical and biological processes in seawater. This aragonite is one of three commonly known crystal forms of calcium carbonate. The other crystal forms are calcite and vaterite.
About Aragonite Calcium Carbonate
The main source of Aragonite is Oolitic aragonites. Oolitic aragonites are egg-shaped particles naturally forms in the tropical marine area. These particles initially saturated with a high-amount of calcium bicarbonate. During the photosynthesis reaction and the increase in temperature due to solar radiation, the carbon dioxide from the calcium bicarbonate evaporates. This loss of carbon dioxide allows precipitation of interlocking crystal microscopic layers of calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate formed from this type is called as Aragonite or pure form of calcium carbonate.
Advantages over Calcite and Vaterite
The main advantage of Aragonite is its orthorhombic crystalline structure. This structure consists of mostly aragonite elements with small traces of other elements.
Negative Zeta Potential – Aragonite has strong negative zeta potential than calcite. This negative zeta potential acts as a repellent for bacterial and viral diseases. In aquarium and aquaculture, it is very useful for the fishes to live a healthy life.
Solubility – Researchers found that the solubility level of aragonite is 35% more than the calcite mineral and also the pH level is from 5 to 7. This higher solubility level has the potential to increase the pH level quickly. In agriculture, this method is using. The crops will mature faster at higher pH level sands.
Industry Uses
Since its significant benefits seen in most industrial markets, the number of companies buying aragonite sands is increasing day by day. Some of its uses in industries are: In building materials, it helps in increasing the physical and mechanical properties. In the water purification industry, it is proved that it will successfully remove pollutants like zinc, cobalt and lead. In the energy industry, it helps in reducing the level of CO2 emission.
Aragonite is a renewable mineral and occurs in an abundant amount from various parts of the world. The current largest aragonite industry is located in the Bahamas region of the United States. Industries can get high-quality aragonite mineral from Bahamas Island. This popularity of Aragonite mineral was due to its unique crystalline structure, zeta potential and higher solubility level which made it very competitive to the other forms of calcium carbonate.
Know About Aragonite Mineral 