Celestine (Morocco)

Celestine specimens (sometimes known as celestite) is a common, dense mineral composed of strontium sulphate which has a delicate blue hue. It is for this colouration that celestine has often been sought after by many mineral collectors and dealers, especially high quality specimens. The colour and crystal quality varies depending on the locality, these particular specimens come from Morocco, and so the crystals tend to be much smaller, less developed and paler in comparison to our Madagascan material. Celestine was named by Abraham Gottlieb Werner (a German geologist) in 1799 and was derived from the Greek word "cœlestis," which means celestial, because of it's blue colouration. The crystals are typically orthorhombic and can have pointed tips such as these pieces from Morocco, although the main mass is made up of crystalline massive celestine, certain surfaces have slightly larger, more developed crystals, the mineral can also form in large cavities forming rare celestine geodes. These particular pieces however are only available in 2 optional sizes, they exhibit a pale translucent blue colouration. Pieces will be supplied in a card tray with an information label.