Celestine

Orange celestine is an exceptionally rare and unusual variety, sourced from an urban occurrence in southern Ontario. The creamy orange hue is believed to be a result from trace amounts of copper impurities within the crystal structure. Globally, occurrences of orange celestine are virtually unknown, making this locality one of the only accessible sources. This particular specimen, shows a vibrant orange celestine crystal face with the limestone host matrix on the back. The stands out as one of the better thumbnail examples I've come across due to the crystal face, an uncommon feature, as this variety typically occurs in massive, crystalline aggregates, not as standalone crystals. Most known occurrences of this rare variety have been documented near Caledon, specifically from a rock cut along an old rail spur line, making specimens from this locality increasingly difficult to obtain. Makes for a really wonderful thumbnail.