Bicolor sputnik aragonite, small
Bicolor sputnik aragonite, small
Locale: Morocco
Approx dimensions: 1.25–1.75"
Approx weight: 55g avg (40-70g)
This variety of aragonite clusters earns its trade name from the resemblance to the Sputnik satellite, with crystals protruding out in all directions. These small Moroccan sputnik aragonite clusters have well-formed large crystals, and are fairly compact round forms. The bicolor variety grows crystals that are red-brown and a grayish-white color. Sputnik aragonite often has broken crystal ends, but these pieces on on the whole are fairly complete with good translucency and luster. Option J gets the ugly duckling discount for having a duller color and luster.
Sputnik aragonite grows clusters of pseudo-hexagonal crystals radiating out from a central point. 'Pseudo-hexagonal' means the crystals that appear hexagonal are actually formed through crystal twinning. Multiple crystals have grown in rotational symmetry like the arms of a snowflake (as opposed to the mirrored symmetry of a parallel growth twin). This pseudo-hexagonal crystal habit is common in aragonite, and produces long barrel-shaped hexagonal crystals.