Celestite
VARIETIES OF CELESTITE
Blue Celestite: The most common and sought-after variety, known for its sky-blue color.
Yellow Celestite: Less common, with a pale yellow hue.
Pink and Green Celestite: Rare varieties, often found in small quantities and highly valued by collectors..
CHARACTERISTICS
Color: Celestite is most commonly found in shades of sky blue, but it can also appear in white, yellow, pink, and green. The blue variety is the most sought after.
Hardness: Celestite has a Mohs hardness of 3 to 3.5, making it relatively soft and fragile compared to other gemstones and minerals.
Crystal Structure: Celestite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, often forming tabular, prismatic, or fibrous crystals. It can also occur in massive and granular forms.
Transparency: Celestite ranges from transparent to translucent, with the best specimens being clear and free of inclusions.
HISTORY AND LORE
Discovery: Celestite was first described in 1791 by German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner. Its name is derived from the Latin word “caelestis,” meaning “celestial,” due to its sky-blue color.
Historical Uses: Throughout history, celestite has been admired for its aesthetic appeal. It has been used in ornamental carvings and decorative objects.
Modern Significance: Today, celestite is popular among collectors and crystal enthusiasts. It is valued for its beauty and purported metaphysical properties.
SOURCES
Geographical Locations: Significant deposits of celestite are found in Madagascar, the United States (Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan), Mexico, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Madagascar is renowned for producing high-quality blue celestite crystals.
Geological Formation: Celestite forms in sedimentary rocks, typically in limestone and dolomite. It often occurs in geodes, cavities, and veins, sometimes associated with other minerals like gypsum and halite.
USES
Decorative Items: Celestite is used in various decorative items, such as geode specimens, crystal clusters, and carved figurines. Its delicate blue color makes it a popular choice for home décor.
Metaphysical Uses: Celestite is believed to have several metaphysical properties. It is thought to promote peace, calmness, and mental clarity. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices to enhance communication with the divine and to facilitate angelic guidance.
METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Celestite Images
