Aragonitic is a term that is often used in the fields of geology and mineralogy. It refers to a specific type of mineral that is composed of calcium carbonate. This mineral is named after the Spanish province of Aragon, where it was first discovered. Aragonitic has a unique crystal structure that sets it apart from other minerals. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of aragonitic.
Definitions
Aragonitic is defined as a mineral that is composed of calcium carbonate with the chemical formula CaCO3. It belongs to the group of minerals known as carbonates. Aragonitic has a unique crystal structure that is different from other carbonates, such as calcite. It is characterized by its needle-like crystal formations and its high transparency.
Origin
Aragonitic was first discovered in the Spanish province of Aragon in the 18th century. It was named after the region where it was found. Since then, aragonitic has been found in other parts of the world, including Italy, Austria, Mexico, and the United States.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, aragonitic is defined as “a mineral CaCO3 that is a polymorph of calcite and is found in many fossils and in some precipitates from seawater.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines aragonitic as “a mineral form of calcium carbonate, occurring in transparent needle-like crystals.”
Associations
Aragonitic is often associated with marine organisms, such as corals and mollusks. It is also found in some types of sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and dolomite. Aragonitic has been used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of cement and ceramics.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of aragonitic include aragonite, needle stone, and flos-ferri.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of aragonitic, as it is a specific type of mineral.
The same root words
Aragonitic is derived from the Spanish province of Aragon, where it was first discovered. The root word of aragonitic is Aragon, which means “land of the Aragonese” in Spanish.
Example Sentences
- The coral reef was composed of aragonitic skeletons.
- The limestone formation contained aragonitic crystals.
- The ceramic tiles were made from aragonitic clay.
- The fossilized shell was preserved in aragonite.
- The seawater precipitate was found to be aragonitic in nature.