Aragonite and calcite (repaired)

Aragonite and calcite (repaired)Locale: Sidi Ayed, Fs Mekns Region, Morocco Approx dimensions: 3. 5 x 2 x 1. 5" Approx size: 285g **Repaired specimen Calcite and aragonite are polymorphs of one another, meaning that the same chemical composition (calcium carbonate) has crystallized into different crystal structures (trigonal and orthorhombic, respectively). Calcite and aragonite often grow together, and the two minerals are also frequent paramorphs of one anothera pseudomorph of the

Locale: Sidi Ayed, Fès-Meknès Region, Morocco

Approx dimensions: 3.5 x 2 x 1.5"

Approx size: 285g

**Repaired specimen

Calcite and aragonite are polymorphs of one another, meaning that the same chemical composition (calcium carbonate) has crystallized into different crystal structures (trigonal and orthorhombic, respectively). Calcite and aragonite often grow together, and the two minerals are also frequent paramorphs of one another—a pseudomorph of the same chemical composition and retaining the original crystal shape but with different crystal structure, created through a change of conditions such as heat or pressure. There is understandably some confusion distinguishing what is calcite, versus aragonite, or a paramorph, or some hodgepodge of all of the above.

Which is all to say, this specimen falls somewhere in that ‘hodgepodge’ category. It appears aragonite formed over calcite points which then partially dissipated, leaving some hollow honeycomb-like structure between the points and matrix. Where points have broken, you can see they are hollow inside. On the back is a messy mix of semi-formed glossy yellow-tinted crystal and white honeycomb mineral.

Repaired: This specimen has been repaired, meaning it broke but someone recompiled and glued it back together. Part of the crust was dislodged but set back in place well, but with some glue visible from the repair. It typically is not disclosed when Moroccan minerals are recompiled and glued :( Read more about how to detect repairs.