Sunday’s Gem — Celestite

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein, German-born theoretical physicist

Celestite (aka Celestine) derives its name from the Latin word for celestial. While found in shades of red, yellow, and milky white, it’s the pale blue that’s the most common. And most prized.

[image error]

A Celestite crystal cluster available for purchase at www.indiamart.com

Celestite deposits occur around the world. A strontium sulfate mineral first reported in the late 1700s, Celestite is extremely soft (3 to 3.5 on the 1-10 Mohs scale of hardness). As such, it’s not often used as a gemstone but left in specimens, many lining geodes. It also claims industrial uses, such as in the making of fireworks (when burned, it gives off a bright red flare), paint, and glass, as well as refining sugar-beet.

A powerful healing crystal, Celestite is valued for connecting one with the angelic realms. It’s believed to relieve stress, bring harmony and balance, and assist in maintaining inner peace. Singers, actors, and speakers should carry a piece of Celestite to ward off stage fright; artists, musicians, and designers can benefit from its boost to creativity; timid children can find it bestows courage in confronting new experiences. Reiki practitioners say it heightens divine intuition, facilitating deep states of meditation and helping with dream recall.

On the physical plane, Celestite is believed to aid in breathing issues (asthma or anxiety), as well as headaches, eye strain, or sore throats. It acts like a detoxifier and pain reliever. Celestine is prized for healing sadness and despair, as well as improving dysfunctional relationships.

Celestite stimulates the Throat Chakra, allowing us to communicate our personal truth to the world. It also activates the Brow (Third Eye) Chakra, opening us to new ideas and dreams, and the Crown Chakra, controlling our thoughts and how we respond to the world around us.

[image error]

Tumbled blue-gray Celestite from Madagascar (image thanks to www.myrockhound.com)

While not a traditional birthstone, Celestite is associated with the zodiac signs of Gemini and Libra.

Feng Shui experts claim Celestite uses water energy, traditionally associated with the North area of a home or room. This is the energy of regeneration and rebirth, formless yet powerful. Place some where you repose or meditate.

Handle Celestite carefully! Don’t expose it to direct sunlight (it will fade); recharge it by wrapping it in a blue cloth and tucking it in a drawer or box for two days.

Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and other sources, and likely “work” best if one’s belief is strong enough!