AragoniteAragonite, believed to have been discovered in the Aragon region in Spain, is a calcium carbonate mineral, which may have traces of lead, zinc or strontium. It is a naturally occurring crystal formed by physical and biological processes that included precipitation from freshwater and marine environments. Sources of calcium carbonate minerals are generally hydrothermal veins with low temperature, hot springs and sedimentary rocks. Many perceived this carbonate crystal as inferior to calcite, another calcium carbonate of similar chemistry. While the mineral is a polymorph of calcite, it differs however in structure, crystal shapes and symmetry. The structure of crystal is more compact composing of triangular carbonate ion groups. On each corner of the carbonate ion groups is oxygen, while carbon occupies the center of the triangle. Its carbonate ions are arranged in two planes pointing in opposite directions. The symmetry is orthorhombic 2/m 2/m 2/ m in nature. This gemstone can be formed from mollusks shells and from the calcareous and endoskeleton of corals. In the mollusk shells, the mineral deposition is biologically controlled, hence, there are crystal forms which are different from inorganic aragonite. However, there are also mollusks, which whole shell is the mineral, while a few from solely discrete portions of a bi-mineralic shell. It is also possible to form the crystal carbonate mineral from oceans and caves through marine cements and speleothems, both of which are inorganic precipitates. Ammolite is the iridescent substance produced from the nacreous layer of the fossil shells from extinct ammonites. The ammolite is aragonite, but with impurities that renders it a very valuable and iridescent stone. The color of this carbonate mineral can be white, colorless, or in some cases, with hues of yellow, orange, brown, red, blue and green. Its luster is translucent to dull, while the crystal can be transparent as well. Among its crystal habits include the curved bladed, steep pyramidal, chisel-shaped, twinned hexagonal prismatic and elongated prismatic crystals. Many use this carbonate mineral because of the health benefits associated with it. For one thing, it is deemed to increase the energy level especially in prayers and magic charms. In Spain, the carbonate crystal has been in use to improve patience and acceptance, and reduce anger particularly when the conditions are stressful. In meditation sessions, practitioners take advantage of the mineral’s ability to help absorb calcium, relieve pain and heal bones. The gemstone can also cure Reynaud’s disease and relive pain in the knee by putting the crystal on the affected area and secure it with a bandage. Similar Posts _________________________________________________________________ Listed under Organic Fertilizer Top of Aragonite |