Carbonates & Sulfates
Sulfate
What it is
Minerals built around the sulfate ion (SO₄). Celestite (strontium sulfate) forms beautiful blue crystals. Barite (barium sulfate) is unusually heavy for a non-metallic mineral. Both form in evaporite and sedimentary environments.
How it forms
Crystallizes from evaporating seawater, in hydrothermal veins, and in sedimentary rock cavities. Celestite's blue color comes from natural radiation affecting strontium.
XSO₄ — Metal + Sulfate ion
