Celestine

A beautiful small cabinet specimen of deep sky-blue Celestine from the relatively modern classic locality of Sakoany in Madagascar.  Since its discovery in 1967, the shallow deposit at Sakoany has been extensively worked by artisan miners in workings down to about 15 m.  This specimen is a tight cluster of Celestite crystals which range from light to deep sky-blue, all with transparent faces grading to translucent with the crystals.  The largest crystal measures 3 cm across its diagonal.  In a few small areas the Celestite appears pale sage green, a rather unusual feature from my experience.  A great example of the strontium sulphate Celestine from this world-famous Madagascan locality.