Celestite including references to strontianite

Thomas, I.A.. 1973 Celestite including references to strontianite. London, UK, HMSO, 33pp. (Mineral Dossier No. 6)

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Abstract/Summary

Celestite (strontium sulphate, SrS04) is the main ore of strontium, the only other commercial source being strontianite (strontium carbonate, SrC03) which has been produced only infrequently. The Bristol area has supplied 50 to 70 per cent or more of world production each year since at least 1875. Celestite is mainly used to prepare strontium carbonate, the base chemical from which most other strontium compounds are prepared. Strontium chemicals have traditionally been used in pyrotechnics, although greatly increased quantities are now being required in the production of special glasses and ferrite magnets. Other uses are in ceramics, metallurgy, paints and pharmaceuticals. Strontium metal is only rarely used. The only known commercial celestite deposits in the United Kingdom occur as nodules following the bedding of the Keuper Marl or the underlying Coal Measures, at the unconformity between these two formations and, occasionally, as continuous beds in the Keuper Marl. Current working is restricted to fairly shallow open pits near Yate, Gloucestershire. An investigation into methods of estimating resources, which is particularly difficult, is now in progress. United Kingdom annual production currently averages about 9,500 tonnes, of which about three-quarters is usually exported, chiefly to the USA: in 1971 production amounted to 9,749 tonnes. World production and trade, which had been static for a long period, changed in 1968-1969 when there was over a five-fold increase in production in Mexico, and Spain resumed production on a significant scale. This was due to the demand in the USA and Japan for strontium carbonate for use in colour television screens; there is doubt as to the possibility of a similar demand developing in Europe. Increasing use is being made of strontium compounds in ceramic magnets. Since the Second World War the industry in the UK has been controlled by one operator, the Bristol Mineral Company. In 1941 a major interest in the company was acquired by Albright and Wilson Limited who later sold their holding back to the original owner. In 1969 the company was purchased by English China Clays Limited.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
Programmes:	BGS Programmes > Economic Minerals
Funders/Sponsors:	Institute of Geological Sciences
Additional Keywords:	Mineral, Celestite, Strontianite
NORA Subject Terms:	Earth Sciences
Date made live:	25 Jul 2025 17:32 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/539892

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