Celestine
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Mineral NameCelestine
Chemical FormulaSrSO₄
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
CleavagePerfect on {001}, good on {210}, fair on {110}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.96
Colorscolorless, white, light blue, pink, yellow, reddish-brown
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityChittenango Falls, NY
Mineral GroupSulfates
Usessource of strontium, fireworks, signal flares, ceramics, collector
Associated Mineralsgypsum, sulfur, calcite, aragonite, fluorite, barite
Raritycommon
Description
The specimen is a reddish-brown, somewhat granular or massive aggregate, likely showing some crystal faces. Celestine is a strontium sulfate mineral known for its often delicate blue color, though other hues like white, pink, and brown are also common.
Geological Context
Celestine typically forms in sedimentary rocks, especially limestones and dolomites, often associated with evaporite deposits or as a diagenetic replacement. It can also be found in hydrothermal veins.
