Small celestine with large crystals

A Celestine with large crystals from Madagascar. The individual crystals of this specimen are unusually large for the compact overall size, a material variant due to the find.

The crystal size distribution in celestine geodes follows a function of growth duration and solution saturation. Large individual crystals are formed during a very long, undisturbed growth phase with a constantly supersaturated solution. In the Sakoany deposits, this combination is rare.

Collector's pieces with large individual crystals are particularly interesting gemmologically; the clarity of the individual crystals, the sharpness of the crystal faces, and the depth of the blue coloration are all easier to evaluate.

The mineralogical characteristic 'crystal size' is treated directly as a premium marker in the collector's market.

A Madagascan collector's piece with above-average individual crystal size and Sakoany premium classification.