Aragonite Hearts

Description

Often referred to as onyx, these aragonite hearts come a few lovely colors for you to choose from. We have 5 available. As does happen from time to time, a couple of these hearts arrived with chipped tips. We have reduced the prices on those pieces. These beautiful hearts are perfect for a gift or as part of a collection. Take your pick!

Options & Sizes:

• Pink- Approx. 1.25″ at widest point, 14.00g, has small scratch
• Larger yellow- Approx. 1.50″ at widest point, 14.00g, chipped tip
• Smaller yellow- Approx. 1.25″ at widest point, 18.00g, chipped tip
• Green w/ white bands- Approx. 1.50″ at widest point, 22.00g
• Green & clear- Approx. 1.50″ at widest point, 18.00g

Information About Onyx & Aragonite

Other trade names for this mineral: onyx marble, travertine, Afghanistan green onyx, Afghanistan jade onyx, and so many others

It is not limestone onyx (a form of calcite also known as onyx marble, etc.) or Afghan jade (a form of serpentine). Further, it is not any type of jade or onyx. These are all misnomers.

Quoted from https://www.mindat.org/min-2999.html about true onyx:

“A variety of Agate

In correct usage, the name refers to a (usually) black and white banded variety of agate, or sometimes a monochromatic agate with dark and light parallel bands (brown and white for example) – but traditionally the name was reserved for black and white banded agate, and brown varieties named Sardonyx.

The traditional method to make onyx is reported to have involved soaking the stone for months in honey or some sugar-rich solution, and then into concentrated sulphuric acid, which turned the sugar-infused bands black.

NOTE:
In recent times the name has become confused with other banded materials, in particular banded calcite formed in cave systems such as the material found in Mexico and Pakistan and often carved, in fact the majority of carved material (such as book-ends, chess-sets, etc.) that are available today are made from this carbonate rock. This is a carbonate material and not true onyx. Other names have been used over time for this material, such as “Mexican Onyx” and “onyx-marble”. Careless use of these names has resulted in the term ‘Onyx’ being incorrectly applied to a variety of banded materials that are not covered by the original definition of the name.”

Aragonite is a polymorph (an organism or inorganic object or material which takes various forms) of calcite. Travertine is a limestone of layered calcium carbonate (e.g., aragonite or calcite). So, these materials are similar, but differ in how they come to be due to the geological influences of the region. Hopefully, this information helps you understand a bit about the geology and chemistry of these aragonite hearts.

Aragonite UV Reactivity

Not all pieces of aragonite, including those from Afghanistan, will exhibit UV reactivity. The fluorescence or phosphorescence of aragonite under ultraviolet (UV) light is dependent on various factors, such as the presence of specific impurities or trace elements in the crystal structure. While some aragonite specimens may show UV reactivity and emit a colorful glow, others may not display this characteristic. It is important to note that the UV reactivity of aragonite can vary from specimen to specimen, and not all pieces will exhibit this phenomenon. If you have a specific piece of aragonite that you are curious about, testing it under UV light can help determine if it has UV reactivity.

These aragonite hearts are WYSIWYGs.

For those who are unfamiliar with WYSIWYG, it means: What You See Is What You Get. Pieces identified as WYSIWYGs are not a random pull of stones that are similar to the one(s) pictured. Instead, you receive the actual piece that is pictured.

If you can’t get enough gemstone heart. check out our full listing here.

Please Note:

1. Sizes and weights are approximate. Dimension sizes can vary based on the way the rock is formed. We hand measure our pieces on the longest side. Please see the pictures in the listing.
2. The colors may vary due to monitor and lighting differences.
3. Please use your own judgment when allowing children to handle.
4. Not suggested for use in animal habitats or fish tanks.
5. UV Notes: For gemstones, 365nm is the best for UV lighting. Only some specimens illuminate under the other part of this spectrum (370-400nm). This is why some pictures are not as clear for our UV reactive pieces. Our current lights are at 395nm. For home use, the 395nm is less expensive, but in some cases, will need a zoomed beam on the flashlight style UV lights. If you do use a 365nm light, please take care to use eye protection.