Aragonite

Another interesting fact about aragonite is, that it is phosphorescent. Being exposed to UV-light it shows the emission of white light. But when the UV-light is switched off it shows a green afterglow, that slowly disappears.

If you want to read more about fluorescent and phosphorescent stones from Peru, click here: 

A reminder: Climate change and aragonite

Climate change is a grave danger to our planet. Everyone must take action. Aragonite deposits are a reminder of this problem:

When we increase the CO2 in the atmosphere, then the dissolution of this polluting gas in the water is increased and this leads to the presence of hydrogen ions (H+). This process is called sea acidification. In this more acidic water, hydrogen ions do affect the skeletons and shells of of marine species, being made out of aragonite.

The hydrogen ions in this case connect with the carbonate ions (CO32- ) that float in the water, forming HCO3-. By reducing the concentration of CO32-, climate change hinders the construction of shells and skeletons of sea organisms.

It has already been proven that some sea organisms have shells that are now 30% thinner than they should be, simply because climate change does not allow them to build their aragonite shells. It is obvious that this means a reduced life expectancy for these organisms. Especially for corals, which will be doubly affected by climate change: On the one hand the high temperatures of the sea cause them to expel their polyps and die (bleaching) and on the other hand the greater acidity of the water does not allow them to build their skeletons of Aragonite.

It is time that we all stop looking for excuses for our inactivity and that everybody starts helping to resolve this environmental problem.