mineral
Celestite
Celestine (SrSO4)
Hardness: 3-3.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue, white, colorless, sometimes reddish or greenish; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Perfect in three directions; 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 the Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue, white, colorless, sometimes reddish or greenish; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Orthorhombic; Cleavage: Perfect in three directions; Specific gravity: 3.9-4.0
Formation & geological history
Formed in sedimentary environments, frequently in cavities in limestone, sandstone, and evaporite deposits from the precipitation of strontium sulfate-rich waters.
Uses & applications
Primary source of the element strontium, used in pyrotechnics (red fireworks), ceramics, and highly prized by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Named from the Latin word 'caelestis' meaning celestial, referring to the delicate sky-blue color often exhibited by the crystals.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive pale blue color, softness (easily scratched with a penny), and heavy weight relative to its size due to strontium content.
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