Aragonite Properties
ˈa-rə-gə-nīt,
Aragonite: Stone of Insight & Balance
Aragonite is found mainly in environments of sedimentary structure, and may form as a porous rock. It is usually transparent or translucent, and colorless or white when pure, but impurities have created shades of brown, yellow, blue, pink, and green. Aragonite has been found mainly in Czechoslovakia and Turkey, while other locations include France, the US, and Spain.
Said to be first discovered in the Aragon Province of Spain in 1788, lore tells us that this is where the name was derived.
The ancient stories tell us that Aragonite was associated with the Goddess Amaterasu, the Shinto Goddess of the Sun and all life created and sustained by it. Amaterasu’s brother, The Storm God, it is told, unleashed great violence in the Heavens and on Earth. Shocked and ashamed, Amaterasu fled, depriving the Earth and other planets of light and warmth.
Although the other Shinto deities begged Amaterasu from exile, nothing would console her, until Uzume, Goddess of Mirth, performed an outrageous dance that had all the Kami (Shintu Deities) laughing and giggling. Amaterasu curious about all the commotion, peeped from her hideaway to see what was happening. Uzume, then revealed a mirror to Amaterasu, and when she saw her own radiance in the presence of all the Kami, she was able to understand her light as a counter balance to her brother’s darkness, and realized she was very much needed. With this acceptance and understanding, Amaterasu and the Sun shone through the darkness.
What are the Scientific Properties of Aragonite?
Mohs Hardness of 3.5 with a orthorhombic crystal structure.
The gemstone Aragonite often varies in color, usually transparent/translucent and colorless or white when truly pure. It is the impurities of iron and manganese oxides that create the lovely shades of yellow, blue, pink, green, or brown to occur. Aragonite is also the primary mineral that makes up the organic compound commonly known as Mother of Pearl.
Aragonite is a calcium carbonate mineral, which may contain traces of strontium, lead or zinc. As a polymorph of calcite, it is found in a variety of environments, but it occurs in low temperature hydrothermal veins or as deposits at Hot Springs and then precipitates or evaporates from chemicals in sedimentary rocks. It is also found in the shells and skeletons of fossilized sea creatures. In Pakistan, there is a mix of onyx and alabaster is also considered Aragonite.
Aragonite occurs worldwide, but the most popular specimens are the reddish-brown pseudohexagonal crystals from Spain and Morocco, as well as the delicate white “flowers of iron” which are found in the Magdelena district of Socorro, New Mexico. The only Aragonite of gem quality used for faceted stones have been found in Horenec, in the Czech republic. Stalactitic masses occur in Arizona and Mexico. The “cave pearls” in Virginia other American caves are also considered Aragonite. Mexican “onyx” is actually Aragonite; the main deposits being near Tecali in the state of Pueblo.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Aragonite?
Traditionally, it is said that Aragonite is a powerful grounding stone, wonderfully useful for deep, peaceful, and centering meditation. Aragonite radiates warmth and grounding from the center as a seed of a soul that manifests its life through daily experiences and events. This stone helps one understand how each individual relates to the Universe as a whole, reminding each soul of their true center.
Aragonite is a wonderful stone for families and companionship, helping to calm ones inner restlessness and unsteady nerves, aiding in emotional balance and direct energy to persevere and move past old emotional limitations, so those involved may enjoy and experience more of all that life has to offer.
Attuned to the earth as well as the Great Mother/Earth Goddess, Aragonite assists in stabilizing, grounding and balancing the emotions helping each being to breeze through life’s challenges with a steady hand and clear head. A reliable earth healer, Aragonite encourages earth conservation and recycling, transforming geopathic stress and turning it into positive energy.
This stone will assist in preparation for meditation and stabilizing spiritual development by aiding in concentration, bringing flexibility and tolerance to one’s mind. Aragonite teaches patience, acceptance, and provides support for those who feel overwhelmed in their situation.
What are the Healing Properties of Aragonite from Ancient Lore?
Ancient crystal healers believed stressful energies were emitted from the earth called geopathic stress was transmuted into positive Earth Energy with Aragonite; recycling negative energy into positive.
Physically, Aragonite was known to draw out the heat of fevers, as well as having the ability to warm up the extremities. Helping generally with aches and pains as well as inflammation, Aragonite stabilizes and grounds physical energies in times of stress.
Diminishing anger, uplifting emotions and increasing energy, Aragonite was also said to boost self-confidence, self-discipline and feelings of self-worth as well as enhancing reliability and practicality. It is also told that Aragonite was beneficial for chronic fatigue, hair loss, and specifically increasing the positive energies of prayers and magic charms.
What are the Magical Properties of Aragonite?
Energy: Projective, Receptive
Element: Earth
Planet: Sun & Earth
Deities: Great Mother Earth
Powers: Centering, Protection. Calming. Prevents nightmares.
Candle Color: Honey
It is told that Aragonite will help one travel back in time to past lives or childhood to heal the emotional wounds that have attached to the spirit from the those times. Aragonite allows Mother Earth to open up in a gentle way to receive those energies that may be keeping one from moving forward, processing it and radiating it back in a positive glow of healing energy.
This same gentle loving energy may help one to once again, or possibly for the first time, to feel comfortable in the physical body that they reside as well as helping one to be content with life and/or relationships, understanding that these are seeds of true happiness and love.
Yellow or colorless Aragonite is helpful in all outdoor rituals to connect with Mother Nature, helping to increase knowledge in herbalism and channeling higher energies.
To recharge Aragonite, place the stone in gentle/indirect sunlight for the minimum of one hour.
What are the Atrological/Zodiac Properties of Aragonite?
Zodiac Stone of: Virgo & Capricorn
Associations: Mercury & Saturn
Birthstone: Not a Traditional Birthstone for any month.
Mainly known as a stone for Capricorn. As a marble stone, Aragonite symbolizes power and strength.