Crystopedia
Mineral variety Healing crystal

Banded Aragonite

Also known as: Aragonite onyx, Mexican onyx

Orange

Variety of Aragonite.

Banded Aragonite specimen
Aragonite 2 Enguidanos.jpg · Wikimedia Commons (see file page for author & license) · photo of parent mineral

📜 Key facts

AgeVaries by deposit; many deposits are geologically young
Origin & sourcesMexico and Pakistan.
CompositionLayered aragonite deposited by springs (travertine-like). It is sold as 'onyx' or 'Mexican onyx', though true onyx is banded chalcedony. Aragonite is CaCO₃, like calcite, but with a different (orthorhombic) structure; Mohs 3.5–4.

How it forms

Aragonite crystallizes from carbonate-rich water, often in warm or magnesium-rich conditions such as springs, caves and seawater (shells and pearls are aragonite). Over time it can slowly turn into calcite. It is soft and acid-sensitive, so keep it dry.

Mineral data: see Aragonite.

🌍 Where it's found

  • Type locality
  • Notable source / deposit
  • Country of origin

Marker positions are approximate (region or locality level). Type localities from Wikidata; notable sources curated by Crystopedia.

✨ Aragonite family

Aragonite
AragoniteIMA mineral species
Aragonite Sputnik
Aragonite SputnikMineral variety
Blue Aragonite
Blue AragoniteMineral variety
Brown Aragonite
Brown AragoniteMineral variety
Caribbean Blue Calcite
Caribbean Blue CalciteMineral variety
Cave Aragonite
Cave AragoniteMineral variety
Flos Ferri
Flos FerriMineral variety
Nacre
NacreOrganic gem
Pearl
PearlOrganic gem
Twinned Aragonite
Twinned AragoniteMineral variety
Yellow Aragonite
Yellow AragoniteMineral variety

✨ Metaphysical & Folklore

These are traditional and folk beliefs from crystal lore. They are not scientific or medical claims – crystals are not a substitute for professional care.

Banded 'aragonite onyx' is linked in lore to calm, patience and steady progress.

Traditional uses
calm, patience, steady progress
Chakra
Root Sacral
Zodiac
Capricorn
Element
Earth, Water

💞 Pairs well with (traditional pairings)

HowliteA natural partner for patience; Howlite also adds sleep. Petrified WoodPaired in tradition for patience, with Petrified Wood bringing grounding as well. Tiger's EyeShares the Sacral & Root chakra; adds confidence to banded aragonite's calm. AquamarineA natural partner for calm; Aquamarine also adds courage. Clear QuartzLifts and clarifies banded aragonite's grounding energy; clear quartz is said to amplify any stone.

Learn more