Formsaragonite

Formsaragonite is a rare mineral species that is a variant of aragonite, a common calcium carbonate mineral. It was discovered in 1959 in Spain and is characterized by its unique crystal morphology. Formsaragonite crystals typically exhibit hexagonal or tabular forms, with a metastable structure that distinguishes it from aragonite.

Formsaragonite was first described as a distinct mineral species in 1959, based on its unique crystal habits and thermal stability data. However, further research and crystallographic studies have indicated that formsaragonite may be a phase transitional form of aragonite, which is transformed under specific conditions. Despite its status as a transitional form, formsaragonite has been studied extensively in geological and mineralogical contexts.

Formsaragonite is typically found in evaporite deposits, concretions, or as a product of thermal fixation. Its formation is often associated with the calcification of organic matter, such as algae or fossils, in the presence of excess calcium ions. It has been identified in various geological settings, including sedimentary and hydrothermal environments.

Crystallographically, formsaragonite has a hexagonal systematic, and exhibits rhombohedral prismatic morphology. Aerthophosphartic acid studies have revealed that formsaragonite has the same crystal structure as aragonite, but with distinct physical properties. However, its distinct transitional phase status has made formsaragonite a subject of ongoing research, leading to a better understanding of the transformation of this and other carbonate minerals.