mineral
Celestite
Celestite (SrSO4)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 3 - 3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale sky blue, white, colorless, or yellowish. Luster: Vitreous to pearly on cleavages. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic. Specific gravity: ~3.9 - 4.0. Cleavage: Perfect on {001} and good on {210}.
- Hardness
- 3 - 3
- Color
- Pale sky blue, white, colorless, or yellowish
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly on cleavages
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 - 3.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale sky blue, white, colorless, or yellowish. Luster: Vitreous to pearly on cleavages. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic. Specific gravity: ~3.9 - 4.0. Cleavage: Perfect on {001} and good on {210}.
Formation & geological history
Forms as crystals in geodes, nodules, and sedimentary rocks like limestone and dolomite, often as a primary precipitate from evaporated seawater or low-temperature hydrothermal fluids.
Uses & applications
Primary source of strontium used in pyrotechnics (red flames), signal flares, television glass, and metallurgy. Popular among gemstone collectors and metaphysical enthusiasts.
Geological facts
Its name comes from the Latin word 'caelestis', meaning 'heavenly' or 'celestial', referring to its characteristic delicate sky-blue color.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its delicate pale blue color, high specific gravity (feels heavy for its size), and soft, brittle orthorhombic crystals. Major sources include Madagascar, Spain, Mexico, and Ohio, USA.
