Arragonite is a mineral compound that occurs in the form of crystalline calcium carbonate. It belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system and is one of the two common polymorphs of calcium carbonate, the other being calcite. The mineral is named after its first documented occurrence in the Arragon River in Spain.
Arragonite is characterized by its unique crystal shape, consisting of elongated and needle-like structures. It commonly appears in a variety of colors, including white, grey, yellow, and brown, with translucent to transparent properties. This mineral is often found in sedimentary environments, such as caves, evaporite deposits, and hot springs.
With a hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, arragonite is relatively soft compared to other minerals, making it susceptible to scratching and damage. It also exhibits a remarkable property known as "pleochroism," where it displays different colors when viewed from different angles.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, arragonite also has practical applications. It is frequently used as a source of calcium carbonate, which is needed in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and construction. Moreover, arragonite is employed by aquarium enthusiasts as a substrate due to its calcium content and ability to maintain pH levels in water.
In summary, arragonite is a calcium carbonate mineral that occurs in needle-like crystals with unique colors and pleochroism. It has both decorative and utilitarian uses, ranging from being a beautiful addition to gemstone collections to having industrial applications.
