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5.7" Lustrous Celestine (Celestite) Crystals on Sulfur - Italy
This is a stunning, 5.7" wide sulfur and celestine crystal association, collected from the Floristella Mine in Sicily, Italy. What could be considered the top of the specimen, contains white to transparent, elongated celestine crystals scattered across a bed of striking yellow sulfur.
This specimen comes with an acrylic display stand.
This specimen comes with an acrylic display stand.
About Sulfur Crystals
Sulfur is a striking and instantly recognizable mineral, prized by collectors for its vivid yellow coloration and its distinctive crystal habits. Chemically, sulfur occurs as S₈—ring-shaped molecules composed of eight sulfur atoms—which give rise to its characteristic resinous luster and translucent glow. In nature, well-formed sulfur crystals typically develop as sharp dipyramids or blocky, tabular shapes. These specimens most often originate in volcanic or sedimentary environments, where sulfur precipitates from sulfur-rich gases or hydrothermal fluids. Many classic localities, such as Sicily or the salt domes of Texas and Louisiana, produce crystals perched on matrixes of gypsum, aragonite, or limestone, creating visually dramatic contrasts.
In the context of mineral specimens, sulfur requires a bit of care. The crystals are relatively soft and brittle, and can fracture if subjected to sudden temperature changes. Because of this thermal sensitivity, sulfur is best stored in a stable environment away from heat sources, bright sunlight, or rapid fluctuations in temperature. With proper handling, however, these luminous yellow crystals remain some of the most eye-catching and iconic mineral specimens in the collecting world.
Sulfur is a striking and instantly recognizable mineral, prized by collectors for its vivid yellow coloration and its distinctive crystal habits. Chemically, sulfur occurs as S₈—ring-shaped molecules composed of eight sulfur atoms—which give rise to its characteristic resinous luster and translucent glow. In nature, well-formed sulfur crystals typically develop as sharp dipyramids or blocky, tabular shapes. These specimens most often originate in volcanic or sedimentary environments, where sulfur precipitates from sulfur-rich gases or hydrothermal fluids. Many classic localities, such as Sicily or the salt domes of Texas and Louisiana, produce crystals perched on matrixes of gypsum, aragonite, or limestone, creating visually dramatic contrasts.
In the context of mineral specimens, sulfur requires a bit of care. The crystals are relatively soft and brittle, and can fracture if subjected to sudden temperature changes. Because of this thermal sensitivity, sulfur is best stored in a stable environment away from heat sources, bright sunlight, or rapid fluctuations in temperature. With proper handling, however, these luminous yellow crystals remain some of the most eye-catching and iconic mineral specimens in the collecting world.
About Celestite
Celestite (or celestine) is a mineral consisting of strontium sulfate (SrSO4). It tends to form attractive, well-shaped crystals that are often found inside of geodes. One of the main sources of celestine is the deposits on the northwestern coast of Madagascar. However, it is found in a wide variety of other locations and formations.
The world's largest known geode is 35 feet (10.7 m) in diameter at its widest point with celestine crystals reaching 3 feet wide, and is located near the village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The geode has been converted into a viewing cave now referred to as Crystal Cave.
Celestite (or celestine) is a mineral consisting of strontium sulfate (SrSO4). It tends to form attractive, well-shaped crystals that are often found inside of geodes. One of the main sources of celestine is the deposits on the northwestern coast of Madagascar. However, it is found in a wide variety of other locations and formations.
The world's largest known geode is 35 feet (10.7 m) in diameter at its widest point with celestine crystals reaching 3 feet wide, and is located near the village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The geode has been converted into a viewing cave now referred to as Crystal Cave.
$295
SPECIES
Sulfur & Celestine
LOCATION
Floristella Mine, Enna, Enna Province, Sicily, Italy
SIZE
5.7 x 3.6"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#243271
