Celestites

Celestites, also known as celestine, is a strontium sulfate mineral with the chemical formula SrSO4. It is a relatively soft mineral, typically found in shades of blue, white, and sometimes yellow or brown. The name "celestite" is derived from the Latin word "caelestis," meaning heavenly, referring to its often pale blue color.

Celestites is a moderately common mineral that forms in several geological environments. It is frequently found in sedimentary rocks, particularly in limestone and sandstone deposits, often associated with evaporite minerals. It can also occur in veins and geodes, and sometimes as a secondary mineral in hydrothermal deposits.

The primary commercial source of strontium is celestites. Strontium is used in various industries, including the production of fireworks, where it imparts a vibrant red color, and in glass manufacturing, particularly for cathode ray tubes and more recently for specialty glass. It also finds applications in metallurgy and as a component in some alloys.

While celestites is not particularly rare, deposits with sufficient concentrations for economic extraction are more limited. Major occurrences of celestites have been reported in countries such as Mexico, China, Iran, and the United States. The mineral's beauty has also made it a subject of interest for collectors, with well-formed crystals being highly prized.