Aragonite is a carbonate mineral, one of three common crystal forms of calcium carbonate. It is found crystallized as small prismatic crystals, masses, stalactites, & spherical radiating aggregates. It was first discovered in 1790 by Abraham Gottlob Werner in Molina de Aragón, Guadalajara, Castile-La Mancha, Spain.
Aragonite is the second most common polymorph of natural calcium carbonate (the most common is Calcite). It is significantly less widespread and abundant than Calcite and is formed under a much narrower range of physiochemical conditions. It is metastable relative to Calcite and often converts to Calcite accompanying changes in the environment.
The original specimen discovered in Spain was a reddish-brown Aragonite star. Later mineralogists noted other colors and shapes. Today it is known that most Aragonite is colorless or grey, & doesn’t always produce large distinct crystals though it can appear in a massive form. During the 21st century, a brown striped massive Aragonite from Peru has become popular & in the 2020’s Peruvian miners found an additional deposit of red striped Aragonite. Metaphysical healers consider reddish-brown to be the standard color of Aragonite.
Peruvian Aragonite is considered a grounding stone, helpful for self-healing work. It is said to assist with calming emotions & releasing attachment to past wounds, especially wounds from verbal abuse. Peruvian Aragonite may help centering, particularly during stressful periods which may require extreme patience & compassion.
