Celestite with the chemical formula SrSO4 is composed of strontium sulfate; The reason for this name is that it has sometimes been seen in a soft blue color. This brittle mineral is formed in crystalline or sometimes fibrous forms. It can be found all over the world, such as: Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Czechoslovakia, etc., and in small quantities. Its blue type is found in Madagascar. The largest celestine, named geode, was found in Lake Erie in Ohio, and the diameter of its widest point is 35 feet. The diversity of minerals in Iran and the various applications of these minerals in various industries have made Iran known as one of the mineral countries of the world. can take the 15th place in the world in terms of mineral reserves.

But the important point in this regard is the lack of modern equipment and technologies for processing and extraction, which has caused the extraction and production of some materials to face problems and not be economical. One of these minerals is celestine, which has abundant reserves in the country. In fact, Celestine is a metal mineral that has many uses when processed and can be used in various industries such as pharmaceutical, electronics, etc. But since there is no modern equipment and technology to process this product in the country, a large amount of it is exported to industrialized countries every year, and by selling this product raw, the mining industry is deprived of its real added value. Celistine has a high diversity and is found in nature in different forms. One of these substances is celestine or strontium sulfate, which is referred to by the abbreviation SOSr4. This mineral is found in different forms in nature, so that in some cases the appearance of its flat crystals is very similar to the barite element. Also, this mineral is found in the form of strings, grains or masses in mines, and in fact, this material is the only metal ore from which strontium can be produced. It is necessary to know that strontium is one of the metallic elements and in some cases it is similar to the calcium element, and its transparency and silver color can be mentioned among the characteristics of this element, which can be used in various industries by processing this product.
What are the applications of Celestine?
Celestine, or strontium, which is a kind of metal product, is used in various industries, such as making fluorescent lamps and video lamps for color televisions, as well as making lighters. But the use of this product is not limited here and we see the presence of this mineral in some psychotherapeutic drugs.
In which parts of the country are Celestine deposits (metal mineral) found?
There is a wide range of mineral zones throughout Iran, and according to the weather conditions prevailing in that region, the type of minerals will be different. There are Celestine mines in different parts of the country, which can be mentioned in the salt desert, Behbahan, Bushehr, salt domes, Zagros, Qom, Central Iran, i.e. southeast of Varamin plain. Also, in the past few years, a deposit with abundant reserves has been identified and explored in Semnan province, and the necessary planning for the extraction of this mineral is currently underway.
How is the exploitation of Celestine mines?
Celestine is one of the mineral products that is easy to extract due to the fact that its mines are open and does not require special and complex equipment, so that every year a significant amount of this product is harvested from the mines and exported to countries such as India, Ukraine, Tajikistan, etc. will be
Is the extraction and production of celestine or strontium economical?
The interesting thing about this substance is the sale of celestine in raw form to other countries. Because currently there are no financial resources, equipment and modern technologies to extract this mineral and it is sold at a low price. Because the combination of this substance and the production of products such as strontium oxide, strontium carbonate, and its hydroxide and nitrate have many uses in the electronic, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries, and the added value of the production and export of this product can be exponentially increased by producing these products. because the quality and grade of celestine in the country’s mines is at a good level. Therefore, it is possible to pave the way for development and progress in the mining industry by carrying out planning to attract capital as well as importing equipment and technology. On the other hand, the shape of the appearance along with the blue color and transparency of this mineral has attracted many collectors and producers of jewelry in such a way that this mineral is used in making valuable accessories and objects. Celestine is also known as one of the most attractive royal minerals.
In what conditions is this product formed?
In fact, Celestine is the only rock deposit whose deposits are found as sediments and strontium is produced from it. The thing about this mineral is that it is placed in an evaporating environment, which increases the concentration of this substance with sunlight. Also, on the other hand, by using volcanics, which can be placed under the sea with an increase in concentration, it can be converted into sulfate so that it can be used in various industries.