Aragonite Meaning and Properties
Aragonite History
Aragonite, pronounced uh-RAG-oh-nite, is also known as tufa and tchazar crystal. This carbonate gemstone usually has a white, reddish or pink color and has come to symbolize truth and understanding. The Aragon River in Spain, where it was first discovered in 1788, is the source of aragonite’s name.
Aragonite is a carbonated metamorphous gemstone naturally found in stalactites or around natural hot springs. This form of aragonite is often called floss ferri (“iron flowers”), due to its thin, entwined branch-like crystal formations. Another source of aragonite can be found in the mother-of-pearl lining of mollusk shells. It is secreted by the mantle tissue of mollusks—specifically in pearl oysters—and makes up the layers of nacre that the oyster uses to create the pearl itself. The multiple thin layers of aragonite give the abalone shell the pearl-like luster and beauty that makes it much loved for sage smudging among certain Native American tribes.
The ancient fossilizing qualities of aragonite are especially interesting. Its soluble, calcium-like qualities are found to be a key factor in the preservation of many shell, snail and coral fossils. Over time, the aragonite will re-crystallize into a more stable form of calcite to forever preserve the hard materials until their beauty is rediscovered and enjoyed millennia later.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Aragonite?
Aragonite is said to foster truth, understanding and an unclouded perception of reality. Believed to be a stone of nurturing, it is said to uplift your feelings from stressful oppression into freedom and clarity through its ability to enhance tolerance, trust and insight by providing understanding into the root of problems.
Aragonite, with its gentle yellow and warm orange colors, has been traditionally used to make jewelry for young adults to help them learn patience, instill them with responsibility, generate the ability to be punctual and to stave off the habits of procrastination. Through these attributes, aragonite said to bring stability and empowerment to the turbulent enthusiasms of adolescence and help teens channel their energy constructively.
Aragonite properties are associated with energy, boosts of self-confidence and feelings of self-worth, as you learn to place trust in yourself. Purported to be a wonderful stone for parents and people in tense relationships that test the nerves, aragonite is said to relieve stress, emotional fatigue and anger, bringing patience when it is needed most!
Indeed, aragonite jewelry is said to improve the time-keeping abilities for the whole family as well as in the workplace. Amazing aragonite is also used to help motivate procrastinating family members who regularly put off important tasks until tomorrow.
Aragonite properties are also said to include promoting reliability and discipline in people, providing insight into difficult issues, especially in business. At work, aragonite is thought to help clear the mind, stimulate motivation and provide mental energy required to meet professional challenges. For all these edifying qualities, aragonite was also favored by Spanish monks for use in their rosaries.
What is Aragonite Made From?
The crystal structure of aragonite acts like a prism because it is orthorhombic, meaning it has three triangular sides. This prismatic quality, commonly referred to as "orient" in pearls, breaks light into a diffracted spectrum of shimmering color. A Tahitian pearl has the most notorious “orient” due to the many thousands of layers of aragonite that coat the pearl seed.
Gemstone aragonite is a form of stalactite deposit, coming from the encrustations from cave interiors. It was originally found along the Aragon River in the Aragon province of Spain. The most famous and best quality aragonite comes from Karlsbad, Czechoslovakia, which has been known for its medicinal sulfur springs since the 14th century.
Gemstone aragonite is also found in France, the UK, Austria, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Namibia, Poland and the U.S.A.
- Mineral Information: Carbonate, aragonite group
- Chemical Composition: CaCO3
- Color: White, pink, reddish, many others
- Hardness: 3-1/2 to 4 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 2.94
- Refractive Index: 1.530 – 1.685
How Do You Clean Aragonite?
Fragile aragonite beads can be safely cleaned in warm water and gentle soap. You should protect aragonite jewelry from sharp blows, as they can shatter the stone. Care should also be taken to store aragonite jewelry so that the polish of the soft stone doesn't become scratched.
Aragonite FAQ
Q: What colors can aragonite be found in?
A: Aragonite can come in a multitude of colors, but it most commonly white, red or somewhere in between (pinks and muted reds).
Q: Is aragonite a good stone for grounding?
A: Aragonite is considered a good stone for grounding, due to its association with caves and hot springs—earthy places—and its dense crystal structure.
Q: Does aragonite require special care for use?
A: With a Mohs hardness of only 3-1/2 to 4, aragonite is easy to damage. Take care to store aragonite away from harder jewelry materials. It is best for jewelry pieces that do not get excessive wear, such as necklaces and earrings, rather than rings and bracelets.
Q: Are there imitation versions of aragonite?
A: Most aragonite sold commercially is genuine, but take care not to confuse it with similar stones with a sweet pink luster, such as rose quartz, rhodonite and pink opal .
Designing with Aragonite
Aragonite is an interesting and attractive gemstone that is often overlooked in favor of more flashy gemstones, but the gentle, amiable colors of aragonite can be used to form simple, friendly designs with soft, delicate color. Gorgeous, shimmering pink clusters of aragonite beads can be combined with lustrous white pearls and sparkling pink Crystal Passions® beads for a delicate, feminine look. Or combine aragonite with the earthier tones of hand-cut labradorite , grey moonstone or picture jasper for bohemian flair.
You can make special pieces of jewelry to give as gifts, or wear yourself, when a little extra emotional support and fortitude or stress relief is needed. The fragile nature of the aragonite gemstone makes it best suitable in jewelry worn in necklaces, brooches and earrings.
Shop for Aragonite
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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