Extra Large Aragonite Star Cluster from Safro Mine, Morocco

This large Aragonite Star Cluster from the Safro Mine at Bou Azzer, Morocco, is an impressive and highly intricate specimen covered in hundreds of closely packed translucent crystals. The cluster displays a beautiful combination of peach, salmon-orange, honey and creamy-white colours, with numerous crystals showing the distinctive pseudohexagonal forms created by natural twinning. Many of the crystals have clearly defined flat terminations, while others project from the surface in layered clusters, creating exceptional depth and texture. The variation in colour and crystal size gives the specimen a wonderfully natural, three-dimensional appearance, with attractive crystal development visible from every angle. This is a substantial and eye-catching example of the unusual Moroccan Aragonite specimens prized by mineral collectors.

Specimen Details

✓ Mineral: Aragonite
✓ Associated Minerals: None observed
✓ Locality: Safro Mine, Bou Azzer, Morocco
✓ Crystal System: Orthorhombic
✓ Colour: Peach, Salmon Orange, Honey and Creamy White
✓ Lustre: Vitreous to Pearly
✓ Transparency: Translucent
✓ Crystal Habit: Twinned, Pseudohexagonal Prismatic and Clustered
✓ Specimen Size: Approximately 89 × 75 × 40 mm
✓ Weight: 342 g

How Aragonite Star Clusters Form

Aragonite forms when calcium-rich, carbonate-bearing fluids provide the right conditions for crystals to grow. As the crystals develop, several individual Aragonite crystals can grow together in a repeating pattern called twinning. This creates the distinctive star-like and six-sided shapes seen in these Moroccan specimens.

Although the crystals may look hexagonal, Aragonite actually belongs to the orthorhombic crystal system. The apparent six-sided shape is called pseudohexagonal and is produced by the way the individual crystals grow together.

The flat ends seen across the cluster are also natural features of crystal growth. As Aragonite crystals develop, certain crystal faces form more strongly than others, creating the characteristic flat termination surfaces. These natural terminations, combined with the unusual twinning, give an Aragonite Star Cluster its distinctive geometric appearance. The crystals are naturally formed this way rather than being cut or shaped.

The Safro Mine at Bou Azzer is a recognised locality for attractive twinned Aragonite, with Moroccan specimens from the locality commonly displaying translucent, cinnamon to orange-coloured pseudohexagonal crystals.

The Metaphysical Meaning of Aragonite

In crystal traditions, Aragonite is associated with grounding, stability, balance and patience. It is often regarded as a stone that encourages a stronger connection with the Earth and a calm, centred energy. These are traditional metaphysical beliefs and are not scientifically established properties.

With its remarkable natural geometry and warm earthy colours, an Aragonite Star Cluster can be appreciated both as a beautiful mineral specimen and as a meaningful addition to a crystal collection.

Add this exceptional Aragonite Star Cluster from the Safro Mine to your collection and enjoy the unusual natural geometry, warm Moroccan colours and fascinating twinned crystal formations that make each specimen unique.