Aragonite is one of the most premier source for the calcium carbonate mineral. This type of mineral is natural forming renewable minerals from the biological and chemical process occurs in the marine or fresh water environments. The calcium carbonate also has other two types of source called calcite and vaterite. But, this only considered as the pure and the premier source of calcium carbonate. The uniqueness in the mineral is it contains only calcium ions and very rare number of other ions. This Aragonite is now available largely in the US Bahamas region.
Formation of Aragonite
Oolites act as the base for the formation of aragonite. It is the small egg-shaped particles forms in the tropical marine water areas. They are fully saturated with calcium bicarbonate mineral. The carbon dioxide from the calcium bicarbonate mineral dissolves in the atmosphere when the temperature rises due to solar radiation and photosynthesis activity. This results in the separation of calcium carbonate and carbon dioxide. The calcium carbonate gets precipitated on the surface of the water and forms tiny layers. These layers interconnect with each other and crystal-like structure forms. These crystals are known as Aragonite. The crystal formed from this method naturally has a pure form of calcium carbonate.
Characteristics of Aragonite Mineral
- Aragonite is unique in nature, oolitic shaped, smooth and colourless.
- It is unstable at normal temperature because of its negative zeta potential.
- The calcite mineral can also be formed from this Aragonite. Since it is unstable, it modifies into calcite within 107 to 108 years.
- It is dust-free, non-toxic and easy to handle.
- It is a mixture of nearly 100% calcium carbonate and small traced of other elements.
- It is 35% more soluble than calcite with pH value ranges from 5 to 7.
Industrial Uses
The purity of the Aragonite mineral, pH level, solubility, zeta potential and unique properties creates a competitive advantage in various industries. In agricultural industries, the soil with a low pH level gets the immediate benefit of this aragonite. It instantly increases the pH level and makes the soil more stable to get the best result. In marine industries, it is used for replication of coral reefs and also to repel bacteria and viruses. In energy industries, it helps to increase the removal efficiency of SO2 and as a pollutant removal.
Know About Aragonite Mineral 