| Celestite
Celestite (also known as Celestine)
is a mineral consisting of strontium
sulfate (SrSO4). The mineral is named
for its occasional delicate blue color.
Celestine is the principal source of the
element strontium, commonly used in
fireworks and in various metal alloys.
Celestite
occurs as crystals, and also in compact
massive and fibrous forms. It is mostly
found in sedimentary rocks, often
associated with the minerals gypsum,
anhydrite, and halite.
The mineral is found worldwide, usually
in small quantities. Pale blue crystal
specimens are found in Madagascar.
The skeletons of the protozoan
Acantharea are made of Celestite,
unlike those of other radiolarians which
are made of silica.
In carbonate marine sediments, burial
dissolution is a recognised mechanism of
Celestite
precipitation.
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