Aragonite
| Colour | White, Brown, Orange, Red |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 |
| Lustre | Vitreous, waxy, resinous |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Transparency | Transparent to opaque |
| Cleavage | Good on [110], Poor on {110} |
| Fracture | Subconchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 2.94 |
What is Aragonite?
Aragonite is a carbonate mineral and one of the three most common naturally occurring crystal forms of calcium carbonate, the others being calcite and vaterite. It is formed by biological and physical processes, including precipitation from marine and freshwater environments.
How to identify Aragonite
- Lustre: Vitreous, waxy, resinous.
- Hardness: Mohs 3.5–4 — soft; a knife will scratch it.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Orthorhombic crystal system.
Aragonite in different forms
Stones often confused with Aragonite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Aragonite?
Aragonite is Mohs 3.5–4 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Aragonite?
Aragonite is typically white, brown, orange, red (Can come in a variety of colors, but commonly red or white).