History
Aragonite Source, LLC is operated by the former principals of Marcona. Marcona previously operated the island of Ocean Cay from the 1970's to the early 2000's. After Ocean Cay was sold and now operates as a cruise line destination, Aragonite Source started to harvest in other areas. In close conjunction with the Bahamian government, we dig at sites that yield very uniform product testing, in tandem with robust environmental renewability attributes.
Since the Marcona days, environmental awareness and renewability has come to the fore. Part of our goal is to convey to the public the environmental advantages of aragonite compared to typical land-based calcium carbonates. Limestone takes many millennia to form through land-based erosion. Aragonite, however, is constantly forming through the biogenic phenomenon of photosynthesis. This phenomenon that takes place due to the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean waters and Gulf Stream, means aragonite is actually renewable and its formation is actually a type of carbon capture.
Aragonite Source was founded to continue supplying aragonite into existing markets, while expanding new markets through research and development. Our customers demand a calcium carbonate that has superior qualities to domestic limestone. To do so, we've developed a capability system that ensures continuity of supply and consistency of product.
Our mission is to deliver on time, with product that always hits required specification. We are proud to have never had a rejected load nor not been able to meet customer demand.
What is Aragonite?
Composition
Aragonite, in particular oolitic aragonite, formed in the Bahamas, is a very pure form of calcium carbonate. Oolites look very similar to fish eggs and have an ovular shape. Under a microscope, these oolites are actually quite porous and are formed by needle-like crystals. These crystals will clump together as they precipitate down to the ocean floor creating the oolitic shape.
Renewability
Aragonite is constantly forming and in great numbers. It is quite literally being created as you read this. Limestone is finite and non-renewable. Limestone is also dependent on land-based geographical formation. This creates great dispersion in the consistency of limestone chemistry; limestone from the same deposit can vary quite drastically.
Carbon Footprint
Aragonite is created through photosynthesis. Phytoplankton capture carbon out of the atmosphere, which is deposited/precipitated down to the ocean floor. During this process the carbon combines with calcium in the ocean and forms aragonite. Harvesting in shallow waters can enhance the rate of formation and carbon capture.