Strontianite

Mineraly.sk - stroncianit

Strontianite is a mineral composed primarily of strontium carbonate (SrCO3). It is named after the village of Strontian, Scotland, where it was first discovered in 1790. Strontianite is a rare carbonate mineral, notable for its high strontium content. It occurs in a variety of forms, from massive to fibrous and prismatic crystals, often exhibiting a white to gray or greenish color. This mineral is of significant interest not only to mineralogists but also to those involved in the production of strontium and its compounds, which have various industrial and scientific applications.

Properties and Occurrence

Strontianite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is known for its low hardness, which ranges from 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. It has a specific gravity of approximately 3.7. The mineral is often found in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks, and as a constituent of certain alkaline igneous rocks. It is associated with other carbonate minerals like calcite and aragonite, as well as barite, celestine, and galena.

Strontianite's fluorescence under ultraviolet light is another notable property, with specimens often displaying a strong white to yellow fluorescence. This characteristic, along with its distinct crystal habit and composition, aids in its identification.

Strontium Source

Strontianite is an important ore of strontium, a chemical element used in the production of cathode ray tubes for televisions and computer monitors, in the manufacture of ferrite magnets, and in the production of strontium ferrite for small electric motors. Strontium compounds derived from strontianite are also used in the production of fireworks and flares for their bright red flames, and in medicine, particularly in the treatment of osteoporosis.

Global Distribution

Significant deposits of strontianite have been found in several locations around the world, including Germany, Mexico, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The original discovery in Strontian, Scotland, remains a historically important site, though today, larger deposits in other countries are of greater economic significance.

Extraction and Use

The extraction of strontium from strontianite involves crushing the mineral and then treating it with dilute sulfuric acid to produce strontium sulfate. This compound can then be converted into other strontium compounds, depending on the intended application. Despite its usefulness, the demand for strontianite has declined in recent years due to the availability of celestine (strontium sulfate) as a more prevalent strontium ore.

Environmental and Health Concerns

While strontianite itself is not considered hazardous, the mining and processing of the mineral can have environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and the potential release of mining by-products into local water sources. Strontium compounds, depending on their solubility, can pose health risks if ingested in large quantities, though they are generally regarded as safe in small amounts.