History of Celestite
History Of Celestite, Celestite, also known as celestine, is a mineral that belongs to the broader class of sulfate minerals. It is characterized by its bright blue or sky blue color. This stunning color has made celestite highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts for centuries.
Celestite is a naturally occurring mineral that consists of strontium sulfate. It most commonly forms as crystals but can also occur as compact or massive forms with no distinct shape and as fibrous forms. It is often found inside of geodes and sometimes occurs alongside amethyst or clear quartz. In fact, the largest known geode in the world is lined with blue celestite. Though light blue celestite is the most common and desirable variety, the stone can also appear in shades of white, yellow, and red. It is translucent to transparent and has a vitreous, pearly luster.
With a rating of 3 to 3.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, celestite is a brittle stone that must be handled with care. Because of its softness, it typically is not used as a gemstone. It forms in many places around the world, including Poland, Sicily, the United States, and England. Since the 1960s, however, some of the finest specimens of this stone have been mined in Madagascar.
Geological Background
Celestite has a widespread distribution in igneous and metamorphic rocks. It is commonly found in hydrothermal veins, limestones, and sedimentary rocks. Its ability to form crystalline structures has given it a characteristic rhombohedral habit, resembling the shape of a cube.
Ancient Civilizations
Celestite’s legacy as a heavenly jewel hails from ancient times. According to Sicilian legends, celestites fell from the stars and onto Earth. It’s no wonder that this mineral is named after the Latin word Caelestis, or “celestial.”
Indeed, ancient civilizations revered celestites as symbols of heavenly wisdom, peace, harmony, and truth. The Greeks and Romans, in particular, wore celestite amulets as spiritual protection from evil.
Although celestite has been around for millennia, it wasn’t formally named until the late 18th century by German geologist Abraham Werner. Just several years prior, the element strontium had been properly named and described.
Celestite has been cherished by various ancient civilizations due to its captivating color and unique crystalline structure. The ancient Greeks believed celestite to be the tears of the gods, attributing its celestial blue color to an association with the celestial realm. They believed that wearing celestite would bring good fortune and ward off negative energies.
In ancient Egypt, celestite was highly valued as a gemstone and used in jewelry. It was believed to be a protective stone, capable of warding off evil spirits and promoting well-being.
Scientific Discoveries
In the 18th century, celestite gained significant attention in the world of science. The mineral was extensively studied by renowned chemists and mineralogists, leading to new discoveries about its composition and properties.
In 1789, Antoine Lavoisier, a French chemist, identified celestite as strontium sulfate. This discovery laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of strontium’s chemical nature and applications in various fields.
Industrial Applications
Celestite is primarily used as a raw material in the production of strontium metal. Strontium is a chemical element used in the production of various types of alloys, particularly those used in the construction of nuclear reactors and magnets.
History Of Celestite
Additionally, celestite has been found to possess piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress. This property has been exploited in various applications, such as sonar devices and ultrasonic transducers.
Celestite Care and Maintenance
Taking care of your celestite jewelry is simple, inexpensive, and stress-free. To keep your gemstones shiny and new, just be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Avoid exposing celestite stones under heat and light for prolonged periods. That way, your gems can stay vibrant and fresh!
- Store celestite away from other gemstones. As a soft mineral, celestite is prone to scratching.
- To clean your gem, grab a bowl, soft brush, mild detergent, and a microfiber towel. Stay away from harsh cleaning agents like bleach, and stick with the basics like water and soap.
- Carefully scrub your celestite jewels with a soft brush to remove any dirt or buildup. Make sure to avoid getting scratches.
- Thoroughly rinse your gemstones before gently dry with a soft microfiber towel.
And that’s it! This entire process should only take minutes. Be sure to only clean when needed, and your jewelry will be sparkling once again!
Popularity in New Age Spirituality
Celestite has gained popularity among new age spiritualists and crystal enthusiasts due to its alleged metaphysical properties. It is believed to promote mental clarity, enhance creativity, and aid in connecting with higher spiritual realms. Many practitioners also believe that celestite can help release negative emotions and bring a sense of peace and tranquility.
On a physical level, celestite is said to cleanse the systems of the body and rid them of the toxins that occur as a result of chronic stress and tension. As a powerful soothing stone, it can also ease physical pain. It is said to be useful in treating disorders involving the throat, ears, and eyes and is also used to treat digestive problems, especially ones that are caused or made worse by stress.
Because celestite is a sulfate, it may help eliminate infections, particularly those of the skin. It is said to lower fevers and protect one against intestinal parasites, too.
Emotionally, celestite’s calming nature is excellent for cooling fiery tempers, easing stress and anxiety, and quieting an overactive mind. It can help you achieve a higher level of balance and alignment and enable you to receive the restorative energy that comes from connecting with a higher purpose.
Celestite heals depression and grief and can help one mend dysfunctional relationships by facilitating peaceful negotiations. It also dispels fears and paranoia and can help bring you back to a calm state during a panic attack.
How To Use Celestite
There are numerous ways in which to work with celestite and experience its benefits for yourself. Place a specimen in any area where there is negative or stagnant energy to fill the space with positive energy. Celestite is an ideal crystal to place in your meditation space or bedroom, too, as it will invite a sense of peace and tranquility. You can also keep celestite in your workplace to combat stress. If you do healing work, placing this stone in your healing room will attract angelic presences and purify the energy in the space.
When used during meditation, celestite can help you keep a clear mind and remain focused on the process. It can also help you connect with higher realms and receive guidance from the universe, your guardian angels, or your spirit guides. It is a powerful tool for astral travel and dream recall, too, when used during meditation. Though incredibly powerful, it has a gentle energy that makes it ideal for those who are new to meditating with crystals.
If you are looking for a beautiful celestite specimen to add to your collection, we have you covered. For high-quality celestite from Madagascar, browse the full selection available from Crystal Allies.
Wondering how to cleanse celestite?
For healing purposes, you can cleanse the celestite of any previously absorbed stagnant or negative energies by submerging the stone in a bath of water or rice. Another option is to give your healing stone a moon bath. Simply set your celestites outside overnight on a full moon, and let the moon’s healing energies cleanse and charge your stone.
Conclusion
The history of celestite is a fascinating one, spanning thousands of years and spanning various civilizations and disciplines. Its captivating color and crystalline structure have made it a cherished mineral for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Today, celestite continues to be used in the scientific realm and industrial settings, while also enjoying a renewed popularity as a spiritual and metaphysical stone.
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