Aragonite stone

History of Aragonite Stone

Aragonite was discovered by Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt in 1609. This renowned mineralogist then gave it the name ‘stillatitius lapis’. Its natural form resembles a bouquet of flowers with varying white, blue, green or brown spikes later earning it the nickname ‘flowers of iron’. Moreover, this abundant stone is still primarily used to make decorative objects, as well as costume jewellery.

In 1797, Abraham Gottlob Werner renamed it aragonite (its current name) after his homeland, located near Aragon in Spain.

This stone is invaluable to scientists as it is sensitive to high CO2 levels. As such, it offers valuable information about ocean acidification through its lattice. It is a sign of good saltwater health.

Origin and Composition of Aragonite Stone

This polymorphic raw mineral belongs to the calcium carbonate family. Its chemical formula is CaCO3, and aragonite contains traces of strontium, lead and zinc. Its crystals can reach up to 30 cm high. In ambient conditions, this polymorph takes tens or even hundreds of millions of years to morph into calcite. Thanks to its various mineral inclusions, this stone can display a wide range of hues on its crystals: colourless, red, white, brown, grey, green, purple or even blue.

Its orthorhombic crystalline system gives it imperfect cleavage and conchoidal fractures. As such, its streak is white and it displays a vitreous lustre. With a density of 2.9 to 3, it is heavy in weight. However, its hardness is only 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, making it a relatively fragile stone.

The most prolific crude aragonite deposits are located on European lands, notably in Spain and France, but also in some African countries, such as Namibia or Morocco.

Biology

Unstable at low temperatures, this stone forms only in living organisms. It is therefore frequently bio synthesised by various species. It forms in:

• Mother-of-pearl and oyster pearls
• Many shells including of mussels
• as part of stony corals in coral reefs

As such, half of the shell is formed of aragonite, while the other half is made up of calcite. However, some shells, such as abalones contain these two forms of CaCO3 calcium carbonate.

Aragonite: Climate and Ocean Acidification

Various varieties of this raw aragonite play a major role in the biogeochemical carbon cycle, as well as in oceanic carbon sinks. Indeed, above a certain acidity of water (pH), it becomes soluble. It is thus considered as one of the signs and tracers of the ecological system in which it is located, as well as a reliable source of information on the acidification of the seas as a result of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. In effect, it stores this information.

There is therefore an obvious cause-and-effect link with the increase in acidity and the competition between the biochemical construction of limestone and its chemical dissolution in ambient seawater. Thus, in water that becomes too acidic, the already formed shells disintegrate and kill the animals they previously protected. This occurrence, in addition to the increase in the acidity of seas, was already considered critical in 2013 from a local perspective. By 2100, according to different scenarios, this critical level will be widespread on the majority of saltwater.

Litho Therapeutic Properties of Aragonite Stone

Aragonite Stone’s Mental Benefits

Mentally, as well as emotionally and spiritually, aragonite stone has several energetic benefits. Indeed, this calming stone of wisdom and spiritual elevation works on a wide range of problems. It primarily:

• calms agitation, anxiety, stress, and buried fears
• brings inner peace and mental stability
• allows those with difficulties in speaking out to talk more freely
• helps one to manage negative emotions and negativity
• warming abilities
• improves focus
• aids nervous disorders
• supports contemplation

warming abilities: Thanks to its powerful warming abilities, aragonite is particularly recommended for those who are cold. By simply placing it on cold extremities, it promotes blood circulation, and thus gradually raises the body temperature.

By providing a feeling of well-being, its comforting virtue also helps to limit the cold of loneliness.

Calms agitation, anxiety, stress, and buried fears: A soothing stone, it has positive mental effects, easing and soothing anxieties, agitations, buried fears and stress. It grounds you in serenity.

Allows those with difficulties in speaking out to talk more freely: Its colour determines its predominant effects. As such, the blue stone is particularly recommended to help you to express yourself, manage emotions but also to ward off negative energy.

Helps one to manage negative emotions and negativity: Aragonite is perfect for those who have difficulty dealing with their anger or who have a lot of resentment. It harmonises romantic and social relationships.

Focus: This stone is also recommended for promoting concentration at work.

Effects on the chakras: Like all mineral stones, this stone works on the chakras. It is unique in that it affects the majority of them. It is therefore recommended for the following chakras:

• Sacred Chakra
• Root Chakra
• Third Eye Chakra
• Throat Chakra
• Heart Chakra

Aragonite stone is the ideal partner for meditation sessions. Indeed, both a stone of anchoring and support, it increases the vibrational rate to the highest spiritual level.

To take full advantage of its properties, it is possible to use it in several ways, depending on the requirement:

• wearing it as a jewel, as in a pendant, throughout the day
• by placing it under your pillow
• placing its weight on your heart before going to bed.

Aragonite Stone’s Physical Benefits

Physically, this stone works in particular on the bones and teeth. Its energetic effects:

• strengthen bones weakened by certain deficiencies
• alleviate bone pain
• rectify headaches, back pain, but also various body aches
• allow deep and restful sleep
• warms cold-sensitive body extremities.

Strengthens bones: Its defining virtue, aragonite has powerful strengthening effects on bone structure and teeth.

Relieving headaches: Whether you are suffering from transitory ailments, such as dehydration, a stressful episode, or regular headaches caused by fatigue or tension, this stone is particularly effective in relieving them. When used as a raw pebble, simply place it on painful areas. To regenerate the crystal once the pebble heats up, simply immerse it in water.

Alleviate back pain: Its soothing properties make it the perfect tool for relieving back pain. To do this, simply place it at the solar plexus. It is exceedingly powerful. Worn as a pendant or bracelet, aragonite stone is also recommended to prevent and soothe joint pain. However, the use of this stone, however effective it may be, cannot substitute for medical treatment. It is an effective supplement but should be used alongside treatment prescribed by a doctor.

Getting back to sleep: Aragonite is particularly recommended for those with sleep problems. By placing it under a pillow, it relaxes the body, eliminating all the factors preventing a good night’s sleep, whether anger, anxiety or stress.

Its powerful energy soothes your mind and offers deep and restful sleep.