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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals A-E |
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Strontianite |
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Name
Strontianite
Chemistry
SrCO3
Uses
As a minor ore of strontium and as mineral specimens
Color
Colorless, white, gray, yellowish or greenish
Hardness
3.5 to 4
Specific gravity
3.7 and more
Streak
White
Crystals
Crystals are not common and are usually pointed and nearly acicular in radiating clusters or tufts. It usually occurs as massive forms.
Accompanied by:
Calcite, fluorite, celestite, galena, aragonite.
Similar to:
Calcite
This mineral was discovered at N'Chwaning after Rocko Rosenblatt saw the blue fluorescence on the specimen. He then proceeded to have it tested and it turned out to be this rare carbonate of strontium.
Originally it was mined for a while in Germany for strontium, an element used as a coloring agent of fireworks and other applications.
I could only get one specimen.
