{"product_id":"aerinite-mineral-specimen-estopinan-del-castillo-spain","title":"Aerinite Mineral Specimen – Estopiñán del Castillo, Spain","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Aerinite mineral specimen from Estopiñán del Castillo, Huesca, Spain, displays rich blue mineral coverage contrasting with grey-beige areas of matrix. Its irregular shape and textured surface make it an engaging specimen for collectors interested in Spanish minerals, unusual silicates and the history of natural pigments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAerinite is an uncommon blue silicate mineral with a connection to both mineralogical discovery and medieval art. Estopiñán del Castillo is especially significant because its municipality includes the mineral’s type locality—the reference locality associated with its original scientific description.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis aerinite mineral specimen brings together distinctive colour, Spanish geological heritage and a mineral species once used to create blue pigments for Romanesque wall paintings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMineral Composition and Formation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAerinite is a complex hydrated silicate containing calcium, sodium, iron, aluminium and magnesium, together with carbonate. It typically occurs as fine fibrous aggregates, compact masses and coatings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the southern Pyrenees, aerinite occurs in veins and fractures within altered dolerite, locally known as ophite. Its formation is associated with relatively low-temperature hydrothermal conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMineral properties\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProperty\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cspan\u003eInformation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMineral\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAerinite\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMineral class\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSilicate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComposition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eComplex hydrated carbonate-bearing silicate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrystal system\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrigonal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTypical habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFibrous aggregates, compact masses and coatings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTypical colour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue to blue-green\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMohs hardness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 3\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLabelled locality\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstopiñán del Castillo, Huesca, Aragón, Spain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistory and Locality Significance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAerinite was first scientifically described in 1876. Its name derives from the Greek \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eaerinos\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, referring to its sky-blue colour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaserras del Castillo, within the municipality of Estopiñán del Castillo, is recognised as its type locality. A type locality provides a historical reference point for a mineral species; it does not mean that the mineral occurs only there.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe wider Estopiñán area contains important aerinite occurrences. This specimen’s accompanying label identifies Estopiñán del Castillo, but does not specify a quarry or individual collecting site.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAerinite also has an important place in art history. It was ground into blue pigment for medieval Romanesque murals in the Pyrenees, including paintings at Sant Climent de Taüll. Its historical use connects mineral collecting with the materials and craftsmanship of medieval artists.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMetaphysical Properties — Contemporary Associations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWithin contemporary crystal practice, aerinite’s blue colour can be used symbolically to represent communication, reflection and personal expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe associations below are suggested symbolic correspondences rather than a universally agreed tradition for aerinite. They describe spiritual beliefs and personal practice, not scientifically established mineral properties or effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChakra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThroat Chakra:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e symbolic association with communication and self-expression.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThird Eye Chakra:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e symbolic association with contemplation and insight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZodiac\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSagittarius:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e suggested symbolic connection with exploration and the pursuit of knowledge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVirgo:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e suggested symbolic connection with observation and thoughtful study.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAerinite has no universally recognised zodiac attribution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAir:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e suggested symbolic association with thought, communication and the mineral’s sky-blue name.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrystal Pairing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a display exploring historical blue pigments, aerinite can be placed alongside azurite and lapis lazuli. This offers a useful comparison of different mineral materials used to produce blue colours.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor personal crystal practice, clear quartz may be chosen as a visual companion. Such pairings are a matter of preference and symbolism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstopiñán del Castillo, Huesca, Aragón, Spain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocality information follows the accompanying specimen label.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease note you will receive the exact mineral as shown in image.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural surface irregularities, fractures and variations in colour form part of the specimen’s character. Colour appearance can vary with lighting and screen settings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAerinite is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 3. Handle gently, support the specimen from underneath and protect it from rubbing against harder minerals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor routine care, use minimal, gentle dry dusting. Avoid soaking, vigorous brushing, chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaning and heat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat is Aerinite?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAerinite is an uncommon blue to blue-green hydrated silicate mineral, usually found as fibrous aggregates, compact masses or coatings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy is Estopiñán del Castillo important for aerinite?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts municipality includes Caserras del Castillo, the recognised type locality of Aerinite. The surrounding area also contains important occurrences of the mineral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWas Aerinite used in medieval paintings?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYes. Aerinite was used as a blue pigment in Romanesque murals in the Pyrenees, including paintings at Sant Climent de Taüll.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Aerinite the same mineral as azurite?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNo. Aerinite is a silicate mineral, whereas Azurite is a copper carbonate mineral. Both have been used as blue pigments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDoes this specimen come from Soriana Quarry?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe accompanying label states Estopiñán del Castillo, Spain. It does not identify Soriana Quarry, so a more specific collecting site cannot be confirmed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs Aerinite suitable for jewellery?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts relatively low hardness and often delicate aggregate texture make it better suited to protected mineral displays than everyday jewellery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"GeoFossils","offers":[{"title":"#1","offer_id":57701173363061,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"#2","offer_id":57701173395829,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"#3","offer_id":57701173428597,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"#4","offer_id":57701173461365,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"#5","offer_id":57701173494133,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"#6","offer_id":57701173526901,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"#7","offer_id":57701173559669,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"#8","offer_id":57701173592437,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1113\/8154\/files\/GeoFossilsMineralAerinite.png?v=1793217238","url":"https:\/\/www.geofossils.com\/products\/aerinite-mineral-specimen-estopinan-del-castillo-spain","provider":"GeoFossils","version":"1.0","type":"link"}