Origin
Celestite (also called Celestine) forms within rocks such as granite which formed at high temperatures. The name refers to the celestial blue of the heavens.

Sources
Celestite is famously found in the Bristol/Yate area of south Gloucestershire, but gem quality is, alas, found no nearer than Madagascar – a long swim from the African mainland.
Famous for its fascinating ecology (e.g., lemurs galore), Madagascar has a number of unique fossils and minerals: orbicular jasper, iridescent ammonites and gem rose quartz join with celestite to form a veritable quartet of specials.
Celestite is apparently found in NW Madagascar but we were not able to verify this on our last visit with buyers ‘encouraged’ to keep away.
We were unable to ascertain the claim that celestite has to be taken by horse from one location to another before starting its slow journey to Antananarivo, the capital. What is certain is that celestite has an extraordinarily ethereal beauty.

Our view...
Attempts to facet celestite can be problematic and Crystals (UK) is most comfortable selling natural specimens, tumbled pieces, eggs and spheres incorporating natural crystal structures into the finished shape. These have an enduring popularity which is well deserved. Generally the blue-er material commands a higher price as do pieces with large single crystals.

We would like to promote a range of celestite jewellery but this has not yet proved possible, mainly due to cutting challenges and shortage of suitable material.

Ros Mason – March 2006
© Crystals (UK) Ltd. T/A Crystals Reg. No. 5056864.