orthorhombic Sulfates
Celestine
SrSO4
Quick Facts
Hardness
3.0
Specific Gravity
3.95
Refractive Index
1.619
Optical Character
Biaxial +
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Celestine
#! System: Orthorhombic (mmm)
#! Habit: Tabular to prismatic with multiple dome faces
orthorhombic[mmm]:{001}@1.0 + {011}@0.8 + {210}@0.5 + {102}@0.4
orthorhombic
mmm
{001} {011} {210} {102}
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Hardness (Mohs)3.0
Specific Gravity3.95
CleavagePerfect {001}, good {210}
FractureUneven
LustreVitreous to pearly
Optical Properties
Refractive Index1.619
Birefringence0.010-0.011
Optical CharacterBiaxial +
Dispersion0.016
PleochroismWeak in colored specimens (pale blue shades)
FluorescenceWeak to moderate blue-white
Colours
Celestial blue (pale blue)ColorlessWhitePale yellowPale greenReddish
Localities
Madagascar (large geodes)Ohio (USA - Put-in-Bay)England (Bristol area)PolandLibyaMexico
Crystal Forms
pinacoidprismtabular crystals
Notes
Isostructural with barite (BaSO4); distinguished by lower SG and strontium flame test (crimson)
Interactive Preview
Open this crystal in the CDL Playground to rotate, export, and explore in 3D.
Open in Playground #! Species: Celestine
#! System: Orthorhombic (mmm)
#! Habit: Tabular to prismatic with multiple dome faces
orthorhombic[mmm]:{001}@1.0 + {011}@0.8 + {210}@0.5 + {102}@0.4
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the orthorhombic system
