Name/Title
CelestiteEntry/Object ID
2009.62.235Description
Chemical Composition: SrSO4
Crystal System: Orthorhombic System
Description: Common Name: Celestite
Chemistry: SrSO4
Class: Sulfides
Location:Madagascar
Description: Large specimen, partially rounded with a void in the center containing large light blue crystals
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
RAGM Mineral CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2009.62Source or Donor
Museum Collection of MineralsAcquisition Method
DonationDimensions
Width
9 inDepth
6 inLength
10 inLocation
Category
PermanentMoved By
Curtis GardnerDate
May 25, 2023Notes
Added current locationLocation
Shelf
Bottom-cubby, Bottom-cubbyRoom
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
PermanentMoved By
Rawley WyattDate
July 3, 2015Location
Wall
NorthBuilding
Storage (old gift shop upstairs)Category
PermanentMoved By
Rawley WyattDate
May 21, 2014Location
Wall
NorthBuilding
Storage (old gift shop upstairs)Category
PermanentMoved By
Rawley WyattDate
May 21, 2014Location
Container
centerDrawer
bottom tierShelf
south side, south sideWall
centerRoom
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
PermanentMoved By
Wendy MondryDate
January 6, 2010Location
Shelf
Bottom-cubbyCabinet
Case # 49Building
Frieda Hall Kitchens R Us CaseCategory
Permanent
