aragonite

noun

ara·​go·​nite ə-ˈra-gə-ˌnīt How to pronounce aragonite (audio) ˈa-rə-gə- How to pronounce aragonite (audio)
ˈer-ə-
: a mineral similar to calcite in consisting of calcium carbonate but differing from calcite in its orthorhombic crystallization, greater density, and less distinct cleavage
aragonitic
ə-ˌra-gə-ˈni-tik How to pronounce aragonite (audio)
ˌer-ə-gə-
ˌa-rə-
adjective

Examples of aragonite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Despite also being made from the same brittle aragonite, the hinge both bends and stretches without breaking. Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 22 June 2023 Price upon request; at jaeger-lecoultre.com Hermès Arceau Petite Lune Planets and stars are crafted of aragonite, opal, freshwater mother of pearl, aventurine and diamonds to form the dial on the latest Hermès Arceau Petite Lune, which features a moon-phase function at the 10:30 position. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Apr. 2023 Except in the increasingly hot Eastern Mediterranean, the aragonite is forming abiotically. WIRED, 4 Oct. 2022 Layers of the aragonite and conchiolin are called nacre, and after each layer forms, mollusks will adjust each sheet to maintain its symmetry. Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Nov. 2021 Calcium carbonate, for example, which consists of one part calcium, one part carbon, and three parts oxygen, can assemble into several different minerals, including calcite and aragonite. Sophia Chen, WIRED, 1 July 2019 Through a process not yet fully understood, little balls of the material then give way to aragonite, the form of calcium carbonate that makes up a mature coral skeleton. Steph Yin, New York Times, 1 June 2017 Some marine plankton and invertebrates build shells from aragonite — a form of calcium carbonate which dissolves more easily than calcite — and these organisms will be the first to feel the effect of increasing ocean acidity. Ars Technica, WIRED, 31 May 2011

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aragonite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

German Aragonit, from Aragon, Spain

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aragonite was in 1801

Dictionary Entries Near aragonite

Cite this Entry

“Aragonite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aragonite. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aragonite

noun
ara·​go·​nite ə-ˈrag-ə-ˌnīt How to pronounce aragonite (audio) ˈar-ə-gə- How to pronounce aragonite (audio)
: a mineral that is chemically the same as calcite but heavier per unit volume and with different crystalline form

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