mineral
Celestite
Celestine (SrSO4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3-3.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue, white, colorless, sometimes reddish or greenish; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal System: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Perfect in one direction, good in another; Specific Gravity: 3.9-4.0
- Hardness
- 3-3
- Color
- Pale blue, white, colorless, sometimes reddish or greenish
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-3.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue, white, colorless, sometimes reddish or greenish; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal System: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Perfect in one direction, good in another; Specific Gravity: 3.9-4.0
Formation & geological history
Formed primarily in sedimentary environments, often in cavities of limestone, sandstone, and evaporite deposits from the precipitation of strontium-rich marine waters.
Uses & applications
Used as an ore for the element strontium, in fireworks and pyrotechnics (for bright red colors, though ironically), in ceramics, and heavily collected as a decorative mineral and crystal specimen.
Geological facts
Named from the Latin word 'caelestis' meaning celestial, referring to the delicate sky-blue color of many specimens. The world's largest known geode is a massive celestite geode located in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, measuring 35 feet across.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its characteristic soft blue color, high density (heavy for its size), and orthorhombic crystal habit. Commonly found in Madagascar, Spain, Italy, and the USA.
