Aragonite is a natural form of calcium carbonate and can be found in sedimentary limestone deposits and evaporite beds as well as being the main constituent in shells of marine organisms. Additionally, low temperature hydrothermal veins may produce this mineral that precipitates from hot springs – unlike its cousin calcite which forms in dry environments through deposition as sedimentary rock; instead aragonite typically forms in humid regions from groundwater seepage or precipitates as precipitate from hot springs.
Aragonite crystals typically take on an elongated needle-like form with hexagonal cross sections due to the arrangement of calcium and carbonate ions within their crystal lattice, where oxygens puckered from cation oxygens alternate 2.5 degrees above and below plane defined by three other oxygens, giving aragonite orthorhombic symmetry.
Due to this unique characteristic it’s easily recognized mineral in nature – its distinctive form easily making itself identifiable – however many specimens of aragonite twinned creating mosaics of different oriented portions linked by strict geometry – giving acicular crystals like appearances but most frequently seen as fibrous aggregate.
Celestite, which can often be seen in sedimentary and evaporite deposits, also commonly forms into layered aggregates with double refraction, making an impressive sight in sedimentary and evaporite environments. Gypsum deposits also contain it in clusters that resemble coral. On rare occasions it even forms within cave systems encrusting as caving systems. When in this form it makes for an extremely attractive mineral when creating beautiful patterns of blue, brown, black, green grey and white with subtle double reflection.
Know About Aragonite Mineral 