3.9" Aragonite Mineral Red Crystal Cluster Specimen Tazouta Morocco

Location: Tazouta, Morocco

Weight: 14.5 Ounces

Dimensions: 3.9 Inches Long, 3.4 Inches Wide, 2.1 Inches Thick

The item pictured is the item you will receive. 

Aragonite is a polymorph of calcium carbonate that contributes significantly to the composition of marine shells and skeletal structures produced by many invertebrates. Its crystalline form develops under specific environmental conditions, enabling organisms to create durable biological materials that support survival in aquatic ecosystems. The widespread occurrence of aragonite in modern seashells demonstrates how easily the mineral forms in near-surface environments.

Although chemically identical to calcite, aragonite differs in internal crystal structure, which affects its stability relative to temperature, pressure, and water chemistry. In current ocean systems, calcite is typically the more stable mineral; however, geological evidence reveals intervals in Earth’s history where aragonite dominated marine carbonate production. These shifts are closely tied to long-term changes in seawater chemistry and global climate patterns.

Because visual differences between aragonite and calcite are minimal, advanced mineralogical techniques are often required for accurate identification. Together, these minerals provide critical data for scientists studying ocean evolution, sedimentary processes, and biomineralization in marine organisms.