Celestine is a mineral composed of strontium sulfate and is the most important natural source of strontium. In fact, it is the only commercially significant strontium ore mineral, whose economically important deposits occur predominantly as sedimentary deposits, from which strontium is produced.

Specifications

• Chemical Formula: SrSO₄
• Crystal System: Orthorhombic
• Mineral Group: Sulfate
• Luster: Vitreous, Pearly
• Transparency: Transparent – Translucent
• Hardness: Brittle
• Morphology: Crystalline – Fibrous Aggregates
• Chemical Composition: SrO 56.4%; SO₃ 43.6%, with Ba and Ca
• Color: Colorless, white, blue, yellow, or red
• Paragenesis: Sulfur – Calcite – Aragonite
• Mode of formation: Sedimentary and hydrothermal
• Available Forms: Lump, granulated, and powder
• Crystal Morphology: Tabular – Prismatic

Applications

Celestine/Celestine concentrate has limited direct industrial applications. Most Celestine produced worldwide is first processed into Strontium Carbonate, which is then used in various industries, including lighting, medical products, electroceramics, glass and crystal manufacturing, and defense applications:

• Color television and monitor manufacturing: Used in specialized glass to provide radiation shielding.
• Magnetic and electroceramic industries: Used in the production of electroceramics, ferrite magnets, and specialty glass.
• Pyrotechnics and military applications: Strontium compounds, including strontium nitrate, are used in pyrotechnic materials, signal flares, and certain types of ammunition.
• Zinc refining: Used in processes related to the production of high-purity zinc.
• Glass, crystal, and aluminum alloy industries: Used in crystal manufacturing and the production of specialized aluminum alloys.
• Desiccants and paint manufacturing: Used in the production of drying agents (desiccants) and paints.

Key Features

• High purity and consistent quality
• Suitable for the production of strontium compounds
• Available in lump or graded form
• Suitable for export and industrial applications

Typical Analysis

• SrSO₄: 85 to 98% (Depending on the mine and grade)
• BaSO₄: <5%
• CaCO₃: <2%
• SiO₂: <3%
• Fe₂O₃: <0.5%
• Humidity: <1%
• Size: Lump, regular granulated, or powder