Gleamaura
Celestite
Size: Large Cabinet
~Measurement (H)x(W)x(D) : 26x22x38cm
~Locality : Sakoany deposit, Katsepy Commune, Mahajanga Province (Majunga), Madagascar
A large celestite geode opened to show a cavity fully lined with sky blue crystals. The crystals are blocky and tabular with a vitreous lustre, transparent enough to look into, and the colour strengthens toward the centre of the cavity before fading to frosted pale blue and white around the rim. The rough pale grey shell of the nodule surrounds the opening and sets the blue off sharply.
Celestite is strontium sulphate, SrSO4, and takes its name from the soft blue it commonly shows. It crystallises in the orthorhombic system as tabular to pyramidal crystals, and is the principal ore of strontium. It occurs in sedimentary rock, typically in association with gypsum, anhydrite and halite.
A geode like this one begins as a lump of calcium sulphate sitting in the sediment. Water carrying strontium works through the rock and dissolves that lump away, since strontium sulphate is far less soluble, and celestite crystallises into the space it leaves behind. The Sakoany deposit in Mahajanga province is the source of most blue celestite of this quality.
The nodule is whole all the way around rather than a cut section, and it comes on a custom made steel stand built for this specimen so it sits at the angle that shows the opening best. At Mohs 3 to 3.5 with perfect cleavage the material is soft, so handle it by the outer shell and keep the crystal faces clear of knocks.
One of a kind. The specimen pictured is the exact piece you will receive. Colour on a screen is never quite the same as colour in the hand, because every screen and every light is different. We photograph each piece to come as close as we can to how it looks in person.
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Product information
At Gleamaura, we recognize that a collector’s preferences naturally evolve over time. To support the ongoing growth of your collection, we offer a trade-in program. We will accept a lesser value specimen — purchased directly from Gleamaura — of the same species and locality as credit toward a more valuable specimen of the same species and locality.
Trade-ins are applicable only for individual items originally purchased at RM500 or above.
Jewelry and carved products are excluded from this trade-in program.
All trade-in specimens must undergo a thorough examination by our team prior to acceptance. To qualify, the item must be presented in the exact condition in which it was originally sold — without any damage, repairs, alterations, or signs of deterioration. Gleamaura reserves the right to decline any trade-in that does not meet our original standards of quality, preservation, and authenticity.
Please note that Gleamaura does not bear any shipping costs or responsibility for any losses that may occur during the return shipment of the product to us.
Gleamaura remains committed to assisting collectors in the seamless enhancement and refinement of their collections.
Domestic Shipping: We deliver parcels by Gdex Express. If your delivery address is in West Malaysia, it’ll take within 3 working days for your parcel to arrive. If your address is in East Malaysia, you’ll receive within 4-7 working days.
Singapore Shipping: Orders will be processed and dispatched within 3 working days. Once shipped, parcels are expected to arrive within 2-4 working days
International Shipping: We calculate rates on a per-order basis. Shipping rates vary based on destination and weight. Heavier specimens or packages will incur higher charges depending on weight and size. We are also happy to work with you if you would prefer FedEx
Please note that delivery times may vary slightly during peak periods or due to unforeseen courier delays.
CUSTOMS/VAT NOTE: For all international orders, buyers are responsible for any customs fees and/or VAT assessed by their country of residence. We have no control over these fees/taxes.
For any packages returned to us due to incorrect address, inability for the courier to deliver, or failure to retrieve packages from postal service or couriers, clients will be responsible for paying shipping fees to resend the item.
Combining Shipping/Open Box
We can hold items to combine for saving cost of shipment. With full payment at time of sale, we are limited to 90 days maximum holding time after which shipment must be completed.