Aragonite is one of the common carbonates like calcite.
Calcite and aragonite have same molecule levels, thus they are called as
paramorphs. The only differences in these paramorphs are their internal crystal
structure. Aragonite has four sided orthorhombic structure whereas the calcite
has six sided hexagonal crystals. Calcite is more common than aragonite because
of its presence in the seashells, pearls and fossils.
Both calcite and aragonite are formed under low temperature
conditions but aragonite has low stability when compared with calcite.
Aragonite is one of the wonderful collector minerals in the world due to their
larger existence. The mineral forms in different attractive structure such as
long- needle like form and in various structures. Oolitic aragonite is the main source of
aragonite. Oolitic aragonites are formed in the marine areas naturally. These
egg shaped particles are initially saturated with higher amount of calcium
carbonate. Due to solar radiation and photosynthesis process there will be an
increase in the temperature levels it will directly evaporate the carbon
dioxide present in them. After the loss
of carbon dioxide, there will be a precipitate formation in the microscopic
layers of calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate is called as the aragonite
or finest form of calcium carbonate.
Aragonite has a very strong negative zero potential when
compared with calcite. The negative zero potential characteristic will make
aragonite a repellent to harmful viruses and bacterial diseases. In the
aquaculture they are very much useful for fishes to live a healthy life.
Solubility level of the aragonite is also higher than calcite. The pH level
varies from 5 to 7. In agriculture, aragonites are used to grow the crops
faster. The faster growing rate will be achieved only in higher pH level sands.
Due
to the significant uses of aragonite, infinite companies started buying
aragonite sands for industrial usages. The major industries which use aragonite
are building materials manufacturers, aquaculture and glass manufacturers. These
aragonites are renewable and sustainable in nature. Due to its stronger
physical and mechanical properties they are used in construction materials.
Aragonites are also involved in water purification industry for the removal of
pollutants like zinc, cobalt and lead. In the coal fired industries they are
used for the carbon dioxide emission processes. The eminent producers of
aragonite are located in the Bahamas region of the United States. For all types
of industrial usages these aragonite are involved and several new researches
are going on about its new applications.