Class : Carbonates, nitrates, borates
    Subclass : Anhydrous carbonates
    Crystal system : Orthorhombic
    Chemistry : SrCO₃
    Rarity : Fairly common

Strontianite is one of the most common strontium minerals. It is essentially a mineral of the lagoon sedimentary series, present in limestone, marl or clayey levels. Less frequently, strontianite is of hydrothermal origin, participating in the matrix of certain low-temperature lead veins. Its name comes from its discovery location : Strontian in Scotland. Strontianite forms prismatic to acicular crystals, sometimes twinned in pseudohexagonal structures similar to those of aragonite. It can also be massive. With a vitreous luster, transparent or translucent, it is colorless to white, sometimes pale brownish, yellowish or greenish, rarely pinkish, and becomes fluorescent under ultraviolet light. Strontianite is sometimes an ore of strontium, which is relatively unsought today.

Main photo : Strontianite from Oberdorf, Styria, Austria © Hannes Nestelberger

Twinning is common with {110} as the composition plane.

No fakes listed for this mineral species.