2.6" Botryoidal Aragonite Cave Calcite Crystal Cluster Mineral Specimen Morocco

Location: Morocco

Weight: 5.1 Ounces

Dimensions: 2.6 Inches Long, 2.4 Inches Wide, 2.2 Inches Wide

The item pictured is the item you will receive 

Aragonite is fundamental to the existence of many terrestrial organisms, notably serving as a principal mineral for constructing shells and skeletal components in invertebrates. The captivating colors observed in seashells pay homage to Aragonite's diverse chromatic range and underscore the mineral’s propensity to form readily at the Earth’s surface. Aragonite and calcite are polymorphs—minerals sharing an identical chemical composition yet exhibiting subtly distinct crystal structures. These two minerals frequently coexist and are so remarkably similar that their differentiation holds significance primarily for specialist geologists. While calcite currently prevails in stability and abundance within modern marine environments, there were epochs in Earth’s history when Aragonite dominated in both respects. Their physical characteristics remain nearly indistinguishable.

 Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral with a hardness of 3. It comes in a wide variety of forms and colors and is found on every continent of the world. Calcite makes up the major part of marble and limestone. Yellow Calcite usually occurs in massive rather than crystalline form, and the best specimens come from Mexico.

The name calcite originates from the Greek word “chalix,” which means lime. This mineral appears in an extensive range of colors, including red, green, orange, yellow, blue, pink, clear, black, and white. As one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, calcite forms the foundation of limestone and marble. It exhibits diverse morphologies and develops in a variety of geological settings. Certain varieties fluoresce in blue or red when exposed to ultraviolet light. Historically, calcite has been utilized in the manufacture of cement and mortar, while exceptionally clear and translucent specimens have been fashioned into gun sights and polarizing microscopes for geological applications.