aragonite

[ uh-rag-uh-nahyt, ar-uh-guh- ]

noun

1. a mineral, orthorhombic calcium carbonate, CaCO 3 , chemically identical with calcite but differing in crystallization and in having a higher specific gravity and less marked cleavage.

aragonite

/ əˈræɡəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a generally white or grey mineral, found in sedimentary rocks and as deposits from hot springs. Composition: calcium carbonate. Formula: CaCO 3 . Crystal structure: orthorhombic

aragonite

/ ə-răg′ə-nīt′,ăr′ə-gə- /

1. A usually white, yellowish, or pink orthorhombic mineral that can occur in many different colors. Aragonite occurs as acicular (needlelike) or tabular crystals, or as fibrous aggregates. It is found in gypsum deposits, at the tips of calcite crystals, in mollusk shells and pearls, and in living reef structures. It is a polymorph of calcite. Chemical formula: CaCO 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of aragonite¹

1795–1805; named after Aragon (the province, where first found) + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of aragonite¹

C19: from Aragon + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

Aragonite occurs in very small masses, of a light yellow color and fibrous structure, between layers of serpentine.

From Project Gutenberg

Aragonite, a mineral formed of calcium carbonate crystallized in the rhombic system; specific gravity 2.94 (compare Calcite).

From Project Gutenberg

In the first class 74 are included sulphur and ammonium nitrate; monotropy is exhibited by aragonite and calcite.

From Project Gutenberg

The shell consists of carbonate of lime, under one or both of the forms known to mineralogists as calcite and aragonite.

From Project Gutenberg

Like aragonite it is very frequently twinned, the compound crystals being pseudo-hexagonal in form.

From Project Gutenberg