Aragonite

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Aragonite

by Stephanie Pflumm ©Copyright 2007

 

Discovery is a great joy! I began my Aragonite studies

with the expectation of learning about a single interesting and unusual

crystal. I discovered an abundantly diverse Calcium mineral that sprouts in a

variety of environments and appears to be in a constant state of birthing and

evolving.

 

Aragonite is a Calcium Carbonate crystal that grows in

three very different situations and as a fossil. It resembles Calcite (another

Calcium Carbonate

crystal) in chemical composition, but its crystal does

not have the same atomic structure.

 

Within Aragonite and Calcite crystalline triangles form

with a Carbon molecule in the center and three Oxygen molecules at each corner.

However, in the Aragonite crystal the Carbon molecules does not exist on the

same plane as the Oxygen. The Carbon exists on a separate plane, with the

Oxygen molecules opposing the Carbon. This creates a diamond like shape that

causes these molecular triangles to appear " folded " .

 

Temperatures and pressures have to be just right in order

for this molecular anomaly to occur. Too much heat or too little pressure and

the result will be Calcite instead of Aragonite. This slightly altered

arrangement of molecules encourages Aragonite crystals to twin and triple

themselves into hexagonal shapes that seem to be a single formation. It is

actually rare for Aragonite to generate a single crystal.

 

Single Aragonite crystals tend to be needle like points

and can be the most colorful. Aragonite occurs in a wide range of colors; blue,

green (some greens exhibit fluorescence), white, brown, orange, yellow, pink

and red. This variation is usually due to other trace minerals like Titanium,

Magnesium, Manganese, Aluminum, Barium, Strontium and Vanadium that find their

way into crystals.

 

Aragonite is very unstable. If left in the ground without

heat and pressure, within 100 years or so, it will revert to Calcite.

 

The first Aragonite crystals were found near the Aragon

River in Spain around 1788. Clusters of tube like crystals resembling worms or

coral were named for the river. These specimens also inspired romantic names

like Flos Ferri (flowers of Iron) and Church Steeples.

 

As our knowledge of geology, molecules and science grew,

the twisted diamond habit of the Aragonite crystal began to show up in some

unexpected places. In addition to crystals growing as the result of a

cataclysmic geological event, new crystals are forming around us every day with

the aid of mineral rich hot springs, in caves and bivalve shell fish.

 

Thermal heated waters from springs and geysers release

Calcium as they reach the surface, which becomes carbonated as it reacts with

Oxygen. Aragonite forms mounds and pipes around these exit points.

 

Caves carved through calcium rich hills produce

spectacular Aragonite stalactites as water percolates through the stoney

layers. These youthful gemstone deposits have been given names like

Mexican Onyx, Marble Onyx and Suisan Marble. This encourages tourists to

purchase more momentos carved from it. Formations found in caves are also

referred to as Tufa and Calcareous Tufa.

 

Another recurring source of Aragonite is a calcium rich

secretion that Oysters, Mollusks and other bivalve shell fish

manufacture. This protective fluid will line the interior their hard

shells and attach to tiny irritants that get caught in the creatures. As the

Aragonite hardens and crystalizes it forms a smooth coating around these

foreign objects, protecting their tender bodies. You know these Aragonite

secretions as Pearls, Abalone and Mother of Pearl.

 

This last variety of Aragonite is responsible for a

fairly new organic gemstone called Ammolite. A new gem that joins the ranks of

Amber and Jet as the only non mineral materials that are worthy of the term

" gemstone " .

Gemstone merely refers to any " stone " that is

used for ornamentation.

 

Officially recognized in 1981 by the International

Colored Gemstone Commission (ICGC), Ammolite is only found in North America.

Along the Northeast Rockies between Alberta Canada and Montana USA, which was

the sight of the Western Interior Seaway (Bearpaw Sea). The area is also known

as the Bearpaw formation.

 

Like their modern descendants, ancient shell fish also

formed colorful inner shells to protect their bodies. These primal shells were

formed with the same mineral, Aragonite. Ammonites fossils are found all over

the world (they are named for the Egyptian God Ammon). However, in this corner

of the planet, hundreds of thousands of Ammonites and other creatures were

suddenly buried under deep layers of volcanic ash and silt.

 

The thick layer cut off oxygen, which would have caused

the decay of these ancient Earth residents. Instead, the suffocating mud

allowed these creatures to fossilize and leave behind their colorful shells for

us to find millions of years later.

 

Fossilized Aragonite shells retained all the colors and

show off an almost opalescence quality. Though extremely rare, prices for

Ammolite remain reasonable.

 

Besides these multiple variations of Aragonite, there is

also a group of crystals that are categorized under as the " Aragonite

Group " . While we are only focusing on the main crystal for this article,

here are the names of the other crystals that fall within this group: Cerussite,

Stontianite, Witerite and Niter.

 

Aragonite is an amazing crystal to invite into your life.

Its ability to thrive is so many different environments makes this a powerful

companion stone for someone that is dealing with constant change.

 

If you are in a situation where the ability to adapt to

different people, circumstances, events or outside factors is crucial, consider

carrying this gem with you. Not only will Aragonite assist you in feeling

comfortable in challenging situations, but will allow your best colors to shine

through.

 

Do you work in an environment where outside influences

are a constant source of irritation? Keep an Aragonite at your desk or in your

pocket. The gem's influence will help smooth out these irritations and prevent

them from injuring your tender heart and self-esteem.

 

Aragonite also teaches you the danger of indecision.

Waiting too long to decide, hoping things will work themselves out, leaves you

in a stagnant, buried state. This gem reminds you that it is how you respond to

the pressures and heat around you that make you a colorful gem to enjoy. A life

lived buried in the dirt, without challenges and trials never allows for

transformation or beautiful growth.

 

Are you easily distracted by events and people around

you? When it's time for you to focus and finish your project, consider keeping

an Aragonite with you.

It will shield distractions, assisting you in reaching

your goals more smoothly and gracefully. This is also true when using the

crystal in meditation. It will block outside influences and thoughts that are

preventing you from reaching your meditative state.

 

No other gemstone or crystal can keep you more in the

moment than an Aragonite companion.

 

As a fossil, Ammolite will be extremely useful in doing

past life meditations.

Fossils also tend to promote long life. Water fossils

provide protection against drowning and storms while traveling over water.

 

Healers will find Aragonite's high Calcium content to be

very beneficial for healing bones, teeth and solving digestive issues. Use the

various colors to influence the different Chakra. Whites and blues are

beneficial for the upper Chakra, especially five, six and seven. Browns and

reds assist in clearing and balancing the first Chakra, yellows and orange for

the second and third. Green and pink are excellent for your Heart Chakra.

 

Aragonite may help alleviate chills brought on by fever

or hypothermia. It may also be very helpful during a long convalescence,

assisting the body to return to its healthiest state. The ancient Egyptians

believed it prevented hair loss, wrinkles and bad skin.

 

Abundant blessings,

Stephanie

 

 

 

" Emancipate

yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds "

-Bob Marley

 

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