TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Aragonito Coraliforme

Aragonito is a mineral with formula CaCO₃, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from La Unión, Murcia, Murcia, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.

Aragonito Coraliforme from La Unión, Murcia, Murcia, España — Terrium

Description

Coraliform aggregate of creamy white aragonite, composed of small rounded, branching columns. The surface is rough, lustrous and botryoidal. Resembles an irregular crown or a splash frozen as it rises.

About Aragonito

Aragonite is a polymorph of calcium carbonate, alongside calcite. It can form fibrous, columnar, botryoidal or coraliform aggregates, especially in low-temperature environments with rapid precipitation.

About the locality

The spoil heaps of La Unión (Murcia) have for decades been a steady source of coraliform aragonite. This branched, botryoidal growth formed through chemical alteration and precipitation processes in near-surface environments. Although common in the area, each specimen shows unique morphology, and many have been recovered by amateurs and field collectors.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0318
Internal reference
T0006
Composition
CaCO₃
Name
Aragonito
Variety
Coraliforme
Group
Carbonatos
Mine
La Unión
District / Municipality
Murcia
Province
Murcia
Country
España
Size (cm)
4 x 3 x 2
Weight
32.8 g
Acquired
2025
Etymology
The name "aragonite" derives from Molina de Aragón (Guadalajara, Spain), where it was first described in the 18th century.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

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