Aragonite is one of the sand types present worldwide mainly available in Bahamas Region. These aragonite mineral has carbonate ions and one of the well known form of calcium carbonate. There are mainly three forms of calcium carbonate. Calcite and vaterite are the other two forms. Aragonite mineral occurs naturally in marine and freshwater environments. Tons of aragonite are formed long years ago in the Bahamas region. There is now permission is offered to export the aragonite for all commercial needs.
How Aragonite is formed?
Oolitic aragonite acts as the base for the aragonite formation. Oolites are small in size and egg shaped particles mainly found in marine water areas. These particles are fully saturated with calcium bicarbonate mineral. The carbon dioxide present in them gets dissolved when there is an increase in temperature due to solar radiations and photosynthesis processes. After this process there will be a separation in calcium carbonate and carbon dioxide. The calcium carbonate present in them gets precipitated on the surface of the water and forms some tiny layers. The layers will combine each other and forms crystal. These formed crystals are known as aragonite. This aragonite is formed completely naturally and called as the purest form of calcium carbonate.
Aragonite Properties:
- Aragonite is pure in nature, oolitic shape and colourless mineral.
- Aragonite is unstable at normal temperature because of its negative zeta potential property.
- The calcite mineral can be formed from this Aragonite. It is unstable and also modifies into calcite within 107 to 108 years.
- Aragonite is dust-free, easy to deal with.
- It is a Combination of nearly 100% calcium carbonate and small traced of other elements.
- Aragonite is 35% more soluble than calcite.
- Aragonite pH value ranges from 5 to 7.
Industrial Usages
The mineral purity, pH levels, solubility levels, negative potential and unique characteristics creates a competitive advantage in various industries. In agricultural fields, the soil with a low pH level gets the maximum benefit of this aragonite. It completely increases the pH level and makes the soil more consistent to get the better result. In marine industry, it is used for replication of coral reefs and also to kill bacteria and viruses. In energy industries, it tends to increase the removal efficiency of SO2 and as a pollutant removal material.
Know About Aragonite Mineral 