Barytocélestine
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Archaeodontosaurus" title="User:Archaeodontosaurus">Didier Descouens</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameBarytocélestine
Chemical Formula(Sr,Ba)SO4
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {001}, good on {210}, imperfect on {100}
Fractureuneven/conchoidal
Specific Gravity4
Colorspale blue, white, grey
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBasse Normandie, France
Mineral GroupSulfates
Usescollector, source of strontium, source of barium
Associated Mineralscalcite, fluorite, sulfides
Rarityuncommon
Description
A cluster of pale blue to whitish, bladed to tabular crystals forming a dense, radiating aggregate, exhibiting a translucent appearance and a pearly to vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Barytocélestine typically forms in sedimentary rocks, such as limestones and dolomites, often occurring as concretions, vein fillings, or in hydrothermal veins.
