Celestite - Rough Form 832g

Celestine, also known as celestite, is a captivating mineral that belongs to the sulfate mineral group. Here’s a concise description of its rough form:

• Color and Appearance:

• • Celestine is named after the Latin word “caelestis,” which means “heavenly” or “celestial,” due to its beautiful sky-blue color.
  • It can also be found in other colors such as colorless, white, or even yellow.
  • The crystals often exhibit a tabular habit, forming prismatic crystals with well-developed faces and sharp edges.
• Crystal Structure and Transparency:
• • Celestine has an orthorhombic crystal structure.
  • It is usually transparent to translucent.
  • The mineral has a vitreous to pearly luster when polished.

• Hardness and Cleavage:

• • Celestine has a moderate hardness of 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale.
  • It has a perfect cleavage along the crystal faces, making it easy to split into thin, flat fragments.
• Occurrence and Deposits:
• • Celestine is often found in sedimentary rocks and frequently occurs in association with minerals like gypsum, calcite, and sulfur.
  • 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 of strontium, used in fireworks, flares, and pyrotechnics for its vibrant red color.
  • Strontium compounds derived from celestine are used in glass, ceramics, and batteries.
  • Metaphysically, celestine is associated with tranquility, harmony, and divine connection.

Whether appreciated for its beauty or its industrial applications, celestine continues to captivate and intrigue people worldwide