Properties of Aragonite

Aragonite is a mineral form of calcium carbonate that crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system. It is known for its distinct, needle-like crystal formations, which can be prismatic or acicular.

Image of aragonite mineral
Credit: I, Jonathan Zander, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of aragonite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Aragonite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaCaCo3
Molar Mass100.087 g/mol
Crystal SystemOrthorhombic
Mohs Hardness3.5 - 4
Density2940 - 2950 kg/m3
ColorColorless, white, gray, yellowish white, or reddish white
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
LusterVitreous (glassy)
Cleavage(010) distinct
FractureSubconchoidal
StreakWhite
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)822 J/kg·K

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.