Aragonito Pantojo
Aragonito is a mineral with formula CaCO₃, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from Pantoja, Pantoja, Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2014.
Description
Cream-coloured acicular crystals in a cavity of lacustrine matrix. Well-defined radial aggregate with vitreous lustre. The piece is notable for the perfection of the rosette and the cleanliness of the cavity.
History of this specimen
This piece has been with us for several years.
About Aragonito
Pantoja aragonites (also called "Pantojos" or "aragonito erizo") are very delicate and known for their fluorescence and phosphorescence. Aragonite is one of the two most common crystalline forms of calcium carbonate. It typically forms in low-temperature environments such as lacustrine or marine deposits. In Pantoja, acicular crystals grow within cavities in lacustrine sediment and show marked fluorescence and phosphorescence. Their delicate, radial habit makes them easy to recognise.
About the locality
It is an ancient lacustrine environment where the aragonites formed by chemical precipitation. Although very fragile, they have been collected for years for their aesthetics and behaviour under UV.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0030
- Composition
- CaCO₃
- Name
- Aragonito
- Variety
- Pantojo
- Group
- Carbonatos
- Category
- Lucimera
- Matrix
- Caliza
- Mine
- Pantoja
- District / Municipality
- Pantoja
- Province
- Toledo
- Region
- Castilla-La Mancha
- Country
- España
- Size (cm)
- 5.5 x 4 x 3
- Weight
- 43.7 g
- Acquired
- 2014
- Etymology
- The name "aragonite" comes from Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara, Spain), where it was first described in the 18th century. It refers directly to its geographical origin.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Al alza
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