Celestine, also known ascelestite, is a captivating mineral that belongs to the sulphate mineral group. Here’s a concise description of its rough form:
Colour and Appearance:
Celestine is named after the Latin word “caelestis,” which means “heavenly” or “celestial,” due to its beautifulsky-blue colour.
It can also be found in other colours such ascolourless,white, or evenyellow.
The crystals often exhibit atabular habit, forming prismatic crystals with well-developed faces and sharp edges.
Crystal Structure and Transparency:
Celestine has anorthorhombic crystal structure.
It is usuallytransparent to translucent.
The mineral has avitreous to pearly lustrewhen polished.
Hardness and Cleavage:
Celestine has amoderate hardnessof 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale.
It has aperfect cleavagealong the crystal faces, making it easy to split into thin, flat fragments.
Occurrence and Deposits:
Celestine is often found insedimentary rocksand frequently occurs in association with minerals likegypsum,calcite, andsulphur.
Notable occurrences include Madagascar (where some of the finest and largest crystals are found), the United States, Mexico, Brazil, China, and Iran.
Industrial Uses and Metaphysical Beliefs:
Celestine is a source ofstrontium, used in fireworks, flares, and pyrotechnics for its vibrant red colour.
Strontium compounds derived from celestine are used in glass, ceramics, and batteries.
Metaphysically, celestine is associated withtranquillity,harmony, anddivine connection.
Whether appreciated for its beauty or its industrial applications, celestite continues to captivate and intrigue people worldwide