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Spiky Strontianite Cluster
CARBONATES; ARAGONITE GROUP · ORTHORHOMBIC

Strontianite

SrCO3

Hardness
3.5–4
Streak
White
Spec. Gravity
3.7
System
Orthorhombic

About

Strontianite is one of the few important minerals containing the element strontium, and, along with Celestine, is its principal ore. Strontianite was named in 1791 after its initial discovery in Strontian, Argyllshire, Scotland. The element strontium, which was undescribed prior to this occurrence, was subsequently named after this mineral and its locality.

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

Other ID Marks

Complex Tests

Striking Features

Interesting crystal habits, weight, and hardness

Environment

Uses

Strontianite is an important ore of strontium, and is used in sugar refining and in the production of fireworks.

Noteworthy Localities

One of the world's best Strontianite localities is Oberdorf an der Laming, Styria, Austria, which has produced large, sharp, and beautifully colored crystals of this mineral. Excellent Strontianite specimens have come from Westphalia, Germany at the Dreislar Mine, Winterberg; and the Phoenix quarry, Beckum, where large veins of this mineral contain pockets of fine crystals. A famous locality, from which the name Strontianite is derived, is Strontian, Argyllshire, Scotland. Other European localities are the Ratum quarry, Vosseveld, Netherlands; the Cavradi Gorge, Grischun, Switzerland; and Piagnolo, Campegli, and Casazzascany, Italy.
In the U.S., arguably the best Strontianite locality is the Minerva No. 1 Mine, Cave-in-Rock, Hardin Co., Illinois. Another excellent occurrence is Lime City Quarry, Lime City, Wood Co., Ohio. Pennsylvania contains several important limestone quarries where this mineral is found, specifically the Meckley Quarry, Mandata, Union Co.; Winfield, Union Co., Pennsylvania; and Lime Ridge, Mt. Pleasant Mills, Snyder Co. Other Strontianite localities include Schoharie, Schoharie Co., New York; the Holston River Quarry, Dublin, Pulaski Co., Virginia; the Strontium hills near Barstow, San Bernardino Co., California; and the Alverson Mine, Lake Conner, Skagit Co., Washington.
In Canada, Strontianite comes from Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec; and the Lafarge Quarry, Dundas, Ontario.

Common Mineral Associations

Distinguishing Similar Minerals

Photos

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Crystal forms

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Modified Prismatic
Modified Rounded Tabular
Elongated Modified Prismatic