Strontianite (SrCO₃) is strontium carbonate — the carbonate analog of celestite (SrSO₄). Discovered in 1790 in Strontian, Scotland (the type-locality), it gave both the mineral name and the element strontium their etymology. Strontianite forms in low-temperature hydrothermal veins, often in association with calcite and barite.
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 3.5.
- Orthorhombic; isostructural with aragonite, witherite, cerussite.
- Pseudo-hexagonal twinning common.
- Pale yellow-green color is diagnostic; rare pink and colorless varieties exist.
- Industrial source of strontium for fireworks (red) and ferrite magnets.
Notable Localities
Strontian (Scotland) is the type-locality. Mt. Bonnell (Texas) and Hamm (Germany) yield collector crystals.
Found at these Localities
- Murun Massif (穆伦碱性杂岩(西伯利亚))
- Lanping Pb-Zn-Cu Field (兰坪铅锌铜矿田)
