An aqueous solution of $Ca(OH)_2$ containing a small amount of dissolved $Sr(OH)_2$ was carbonated with $CO_2$ gas, and the effects of the reaction temperature and $Sr(OH)_2$ on the carbonation were investigated. The higher the reaction temperature and the larger the ratio of $Sr(OH)_2(aq)$ to $Ca(OH)_2(aq)$, which amounts to the larger the ratio of $OH^-$ to $CO_2(aq)$, the better pillar aragonite was formed. $Sr(OH)_2$ played an important role in the formation of pillar aragonite, because it is easily formed itself into rhombic $SrCO_3$ during the initial period of carbonation process and acting as a seed for the pillar aragonite of similar morphology. In addition, due to its substantially higher solubility compared with $Ca(OH)_2$, $OH^-$ concentration in the carbonation mixture and subsequently $CO_3^{2-}$ necessary for the crystal growth are increased.