Aragonite – Neat Crystal

In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as blue aragonite ans caribbean calcite, it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here. Caribbean calcite consists of blue calcite with white or brown aragonite. Calcite and aragonite are basically the same minerals, made up of calcium carbonate, but with different crystal structures. As a result, they have very similar properties. Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice. Also read: Calcite vs. Quartz: This Is The Difference Blue Aragonite vs. Caribbean Calcite – How To Tell The Difference? In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail. Chemical Composition Both blue aragonite and caribbean calcite consist of calcium carbonate. As a result, they have the same chemical formula: CaCO3. What makes these two stones different is their crystal structure. Calcite has a trigonal structure, while blue aragonite has an orthorhombic one (see image below). Interestingly, aragonite can turn into calcite over time or when heated. In general, calcium carbonate will crystallize as calcite. However, when in seawater, it will crystallize as aragonite. Caribbean calcite is a combination of blue calcite and white or brown aragonite. Image Attribution:Trigonal: Christophe Dang Ngoc Chan (cdang), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsOrthorombic: Bor75, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Color Both blue aragonite and Caribbean calcite come in light and deeper shades of blue, along with brown or white inclusions. In both stones, the blue color comes from the presence of copper. This blue/brown/white color scheme is where Caribbean calcite gets its name from; it looks just like a beach in the Caribbean. Transparency and Luster Both blue aragonite and Caribbean calcite have a vitreous (glass-like) shine but can also be waxy. Additionally, blue aragonite can be transparent to translucent, while calcite can also be opaque. Hardness Both stones are fairly soft stones. However, aragonite is slightly harder than calcite, rating 3.5 – 4 on the Mohs hardness scale, respectively. However, keep in mind that Caribbean calcite is just blue calcite with aragonite inclusions. If you’re unfamiliar, the Mohs scale of hardness determines a stone's hardness by measuring how scratch-resistant it is. According to this scale, a stone can scratch any other mineral with a lower score. For reference, talc is a 1, whereas diamond is a 10. Also read: Calcite vs Aragonite: This is the Difference Care Neither of these two should be cleaned using water, as they rate lower than 5 on the Mohs scale. Leaving these two to soak will either dissolve or break them. Additionally, as both stones are calcium carbonates, they will react to acid treatments. The best way to clean them is either dusting them off or using a damp towel. Make sure to dry them afterward. If you are using these stones for their metaphysical properties, you might want to consider energetically cleansing and recharging these stones. The reason for this is that these stones absorb low vibrations. Every month or so, you want to remove these energies from the stone so you can continue to use it. After cleansing, it is recommended you also recharge the stones to make sure they are full of positive energy to share with you. The stones can be cleansed and recharged using sun or moonlight, sound, and cleansing crystals like clear quartz or selenite. Location Aragonite and calcite are formed when calcium-rich water evaporates and leaves the calcium behind. As a result, they are mostly found in hot spring deposits or caves. Blue aragonite is commonly found in Mexico, Morocco, China, Greece and Austria. Caribbean calcite is unique to Pakistan, first found recently, in 2019. Blue Aragonite vs. Caribbean Calcite - Metaphysical Properties Beware that crystals are never a replacement for professional medical help. If you have any issues, see a doctor first and follow their advice. With blue aragonite and Caribbean calcite being similar stones, they also have similar properties. But, let's start with having a look at what blue aragonite can help us with. This stone raises vibrational energies in the body and is, therefore, a super useful tool in crystal healing. Its grounding properties soothe nervousness and anxiety and help relieve stress-related problems. Think of migraines, insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension, and hair loss. Apart from helping with stress, it also helps to maintain emotional balance and encourages self-confidence. Caribbean calcite is also a soothing and calming stone, helping to speed up recovery and lowering blood pressure. Just like blue aragonite, it can help to relieve migraines, stress, and muscular pains. Its metaphysical properties include improving consciousness and psychic abilities, as well as inviting knowledge and inspiration. The stone also clears negativity and opens you up to spiritual enlightenment. Also read: Calcite vs Halite: This is the Difference Chakra Association Both stones are associated with the third eye and throat chakra. Blue aragonite also has a connection to the heart chakra. The heart chakra is located at the heart area and represents love, relationships and how we relate with the world around us. As a result, blue aragonite invites optimism and appreciation of the little things in life. The connection with the heart chakra aims to change the outlook of life and make it more pleasant. The third eye is located between the eyebrows. The chakra is associated with intuition, intellect and the divine. When activated, you can see through falsehoods and illusions, and align with the divine. The throat chakra is located at the throat area, and is the tool for communication. Through the throat, each chakra can communicate its needs. When this chakra is balanced, we can have meaningful dialogues and communicate our needs better. Also read: Orange Calcite vs Citrine: This is the Difference Element Association Blue aragonite is associated with the earth element. The crystal connects with the earth’s energies to provide the mind, body and soul with stability. Its grounding energies help maintain focus, balance, and purpose. The element also brings emotional stability and encouragement during tough times. It is also the element that provides motivation, and clarity of mind amidst challenges. Caribbean calcite is associated to the air element, which represents knowledge, communication, and intellect. Working with this element means working on your communication skills, adaptability, and analytical skills. It also helps bring out your natural leadership. Zodiac Association Neither blue aragonite nor Caribbean calcite are birthstones. However, they are associated with zodiac signs, either because they share a ruling planet, or because their properties are particularly helpful to some signs. For blue aragonite, this stone will work well with the Capricorn zodiac sign. It attunes the zodiac to the power of nature, connects them to mother earth, and encourages appreciation of the small things in life. Capricorns can use the stone to manifest abundance and prosperity. The stone also brings peace and clears negative thought patterns. Blue aragonites put this hardworking zodiac into a path of success and luck. Caribbean calcite is slightly more difficult when it comes to zodiac signs. Most sources consider this stone particularly beneficial to earth signs (Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn), while others find it's better suited for air signs (Libra, Aquarius & Gemini). You could even say it aligns well with water signs, Cancer in particular. People born under this banner are sensitive and quite emotional and this stone can help cancer make decisions based on logic without being clouded by emotion. It also helps them release negative thoughts that may be limiting them from moving forward. Personally, I like to look at a stone's associated planet to help understand which zodiac benefits best. For Caribbean calcite, this planet is Venus, which also rules Libra and Taurus. Still, regardless of your zodiac sign, there's probably a reason you're attracted to this crystal. So, give it a chance, and see what it can help you with. Ruling Planets As said, Caribbean calcite is ruled by Venus. The planet governs love, beauty and luxury. This planet allows us to give and receive love and appreciation. Venus also communicates our desires, pleasure, passion and what we value. Working with this stone helps you to embody these qualities. Blue aragonite, on the other hand, is ruled by earth; the planet of grounding and stability. It helps you to feel more supported in your endeavors and achieve your goals. Numerical Vibration Blue aragonite vibrates at 7. The number is considered a lucky number for victory. It is also used to signify spiritual knowledge, curiosity and wisdom. Working with this energy helps you be more intellectual, problem-solving, intelligent and flexible. Caribbean calcite vibrates at 3. The number is optimistic and innovative. People who resonate with the number are quick to think of solutions to a problem and approach life differently. The number can be used to signify success, harmony and wisdom. It is also considered a sign of communication, self-expression and creativity. Also read: Calcite vs. Quartzite: This is the Difference Uses There are many different ways to use these stones. Below we'll outline a few options for you. Jewelry These stones aren't just powerful, they're also just very pretty. Besides, wearing these stones allows you to work with their energies all day, making them extra beneficial. Make sure to wear them on the skin closest to the chakra they are associated with. For these stones, I recommend a tighter necklace. Make sure you take them off before you hop into the shower or go swimming, and keep in mind that daily wear will eventually make these stones brittle and prone to chipping off. Meditation Blue aragonite will enhance psychic abilities and spiritual communication when used in meditation. It also improves accuracy in readings and other psychic activities. In meditation, Caribbean calcite is used to relieve stress and increase empathy and compassion. I also recommend meditating with these stones when you first get them. This way, you can become a little more familiar with their energy. If you're using them to work on particular chakras, this works too! I'll leave a guided meditation for the throat chakra below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwzSOF9GEHo&t=162s&ab_channel=MeditativeMind Best Combinations Blue aragonite can be used together with green seraphinite to amplify its healing properties. When paired with fuchsite and muscovite it helps solving problems. The stone can be used together with heart stones like rose quartz and jade to clear negative energies and manifest our desires. Blue aragonite can be used together with green calcite or rose quartz for matters concerning the heart space. The combination opens and activates the heart chakra and releases joy, comfort and optimism. Calcite is an energy cleanser. Caribbean calcite together with aragonite is used to activate and ground and harness energies on the lower body chakras. The pair raises vibration, awareness and balance in the body. The combination is also used to enhance psychic abilities by connecting to the third eye and crown chakra. Caribbean calcite is used together with blue aragonite in activating and clearing the throat chakra, and to generally enhance their properties.