The Science
The science of oolitic aragonite.
A deep technical view of the mineral — crystal structure, chemistry, morphology and physical properties — plus how it compares to limestone and where it fits a lower-processing strategy.
Crystal structure
CaCO₃, orthorhombic.
Aragonite is one of three natural polymorphs of calcium carbonate. Its orthorhombic lattice geometry produces a distinct density, solubility and reactivity profile that differentiates it from calcite limestone.
Chemical analysis
Typical chemistry
| Constituent | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CaCO₃ | 97.8% typical | Calcium carbonate, primary |
| MgCO₃ | ≤ 0.9% | Magnesium carbonate |
| SiO₂ | ≤ 0.6% | Silica |
| Fe₂O₃ | ≤ 0.04% | Iron oxide — low |
| Al₂O₃ | ≤ 0.10% | Alumina |
| Na₂O + K₂O | ≤ 0.30% | Alkalis |
| LOI | ~ 43% | Loss on ignition |
Physical properties
Typical physical data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Specific gravity | 2.93 g/cm³ |
| Bulk density | 1.40 – 1.55 g/cm³ |
| Whiteness | 92 – 94 (ISO) |
| Hardness | 3.5 – 4.0 Mohs |
| Moisture | < 0.3% as shipped |
| Mesh range | 20 – 325 (custom) |
| Surface area | 1.0 – 2.5 m²/g (grade-dependent) |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
Scientific references
Selected literature
Why aragonite is different
Same formula. Better crystal.
Limestone is calcite — a stable, common crystal. Aragonite is the rarer, higher-energy polymorph of calcium carbonate: orthorhombic, more soluble, with the unique oolitic morphology nature only builds in select ocean environments.
| Property | Aragocor Aragonite | Calcite / Limestone | Industrial impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic | Trigonal (Rhombohedral) | Different lattice → different reactivity |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.93 | 2.71 | Higher mass per unit volume |
| Solubility | Higher | Lower | Faster availability in target systems |
| Particle morphology | Spherical, oolitic | Angular fragments | Better flow, blending, surface area |
| Purity (typical) | 97.8% CaCO₃ | 85–95% CaCO₃ | Fewer impurities to manage |
| Origin | Ocean-renewed | Quarried, finite | Renewable mineral resource |
How aragonite compares to common calcium materials
There is no universal winner. The right material depends on intended outcome, chemistry, particle size, formulation, handling and freight economics.
| Material | Mineral form | Calcium content | Magnesium | Particle structure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oolitic Aragonite | CaCO₃ | ~40%* | Trace | Oolitic, rounded |
| Calcitic Limestone | CaCO₃ | ~34–38% | Low | Angular fragments |
| Dolomitic Limestone | CaCO₃·MgCO₃ | ~22% | ~12% | Angular fragments |
| Gypsum | CaSO₄·2H₂O | ~23% | — | Crystalline |
*Subject to verified laboratory analysis. Comparison is illustrative and application-dependent; product selection should follow soil/process testing and professional recommendation.
Processing footprint
Building a lower-processing mineral platform.
Aragonite is part of the planet's natural carbon cycle. Aragocor is building a credible, science-led roadmap for ocean-renewed minerals and lifecycle-aware industrial supply.
Ocean renewal
Continuously precipitated in warm Bahamian shallows — a renewable mineral pathway.
Responsible sourcing
Single-source operations designed to minimize disturbance and document chain of custody.
LCA in progress
Formal lifecycle analysis being built with third parties to validate emissions accounting.
CCS partnerships
Open to research collaboration on mineral carbonation and ocean alkalinity enhancement.
Aragocor frames its position as a lower-processing strategy, not a verified claim — pending validated third-party LCA.
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