Name/Title
CelestiteEntry/Object ID
LN2012.1.8Description
Assemblage Zone: pegmatite dikes
Chemical Composition: Si
Crystal System: Orthorhombic System
Description: Common Name: Celestite
Group Name: Sulfates
Chemistry: SrSO4, strontium sulfate
Location: unknown
Description: Multi-crystal structure in pale to medium blue colors.
Physical Properties:
Celestine or celestite (SrSO4) is a mineral consisting of strontium sulfate. The mineral is named for its occasional delicate blue color. Celestine is the principal source of the element strontium, commonly used in fireworks and in various metal alloys.
Celestine occurs as crystals, and also in compact massive and fibrous forms. It is mostly found in sedimentary rocks, often associated with the minerals gypsum, anhydrite, and halite.
The bodies of the protozoan Acantharea are made of celestine, unlike those of other radiolarians which are made of silica. In carbonate marine sediments, burial dissolution is a recognised mechanism of celestine precipitation.
Celestine crystals are found in some geodes. The world's largest known geode, a celestine geode 35 feet (10.7 m) in diameter at its widest point, is located near the village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. The geode has been converted into a viewing cave, Crystal Cave, with the crystals which once composed the floor of the geode removed. The geode has celestine crystals as wide as 18 inches (46 cm) across, estimated to weigh up to 300 pounds (135 kg) each.
Chemical formula: SrSO4; sometimes contains minor calcium and/or barium
Strunz classification: 07.AD.35
Crystal symmetry: Orthorhombic 2/m 2/m 2/m dipyramidal
Unit cell: a = 8.359 Å, b = 5.352 Å, c = 6.866 Å; Z = 4
Color: Colorless, white, pale blue, pink, pale green, pale brown, black
Crystal habit: Tabular to pyramidal crystals, also fibrous, lamellar, earthy, massive granular
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Cleavage: Perfect on {001}, good on {210}, poor on {010}
Fracture: Uneven
Tenacity: Brittle
Mohs scale hardness: 3 - 3.5
Luster: Vitreous, pearly on cleavages
Streak: white
Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent
Specific gravity: 3.95 - 3.97
Fracture: Uneven
Hardness: 3 Calcite
Luster: Vitreous
Occurrence: The mineral is found worldwide, usually in small quantities. Pale blue crystal specimens are found in Madagascar. Also, Machow Mine, Poland.
Rock Type: Sedimentary
Specific Gravity: 3.95 - 3.9
Streak: White
Variety: Celestine occurs as crystals, and also in compact massive and fibrous forms. It is mostly found in sedimentary rocks, often associated with the minerals gypsum, anhydrite, and halite.Collection
Carol Swisher Mineral-Uses CollectionDimensions
Width
1-5/8 inDepth
2-3/16 inLength
2-7/8 inDimension Notes
Dimension taken at widest pointsLocation
Location
Container
back rowDrawer
centerShelf
topCabinet
Mineral UsesWall
west wallBuilding
Museum Entrance HallwayCategory
Permanent
