**Complimentary Specimens** As a gesture of appreciation, winning lots with a final hammer price above €50 will include one small additional mineral offered entirely free of charge. ————— Description:: As if lifted from the Earth by a slow, mineral tide, this celestite from Sakoany presents itself with natural authority and sculptural clarity. It is not merely an accumulation of crystals, but a resolved geological composition, where every angle feels purposeful, and the piece reads as a complete specimen rather than a fragment of one. The eye is drawn immediately to the phenomenal central crystal, a dominant form rising above the cluster with striking presence and exceptional internal cleanliness. Its faces reveal distinct step growth, a staircase like architecture etched into the crystal itself, recording a steady progression of formation across time. With controlled light the crystal responds beautifully, allowing illumination to move through its volume and awaken an icy, luminous depth that defines high calibre celestite. The blue is the unmistakable signature of Madagascar celestite, a true sky blue with a cool, glacial character and a refined translucency. In the dominant crystal, colour intensity and optical depth combine to produce a premium visual effect, while the surrounding crystals reinforce scale and complexity without competing for attention. They serve instead as a textured chorus around the central voice, enhancing the specimen’s dimensionality and aesthetic balance. Beneath the crystal mass, the calcareous sedimentary matrix provides stability and contrast. Its muted tone frames the blue crystals, amplifying their clarity and making the entire specimen feel anchored, complete, and naturally display ready. From an evaporitic environment enriched in strontium, the Sakoany deposit in Katsepy Commune, Mitsinjo District, Boeny, Madagascar is known for producing some of the most visually iconic celestites in the world. This piece captures that reputation with rare confidence, combining a large dominant crystal, strong lustre, readable growth architecture, and an overall presence that feels unmistakably museum grade. This is a specimen defined by its centre, a singular crystal that commands the composition and elevates the entire piece into the realm of serious collecting. SPECIFICATIONS: • Weight: 255 g • Dimensions: 68 × 54 × 44 mm • Origin: Sakoany deposit, Katsepy Commune, Mitsinjo District, Boeny, Madagascar • Mineral species: Celestite • Chemical formula: SrSO₄ • Crystal system: Orthorhombic • Formation: Natural crystal cluster on matrix • Crystal habit: Well formed crystals with a dominant central crystal • Colour: Intense sky blue • Transparency: Transparent to translucent • Lustre: Vitreous • Matrix: Natural calcareous sedimentary base • Condition and treatment: Natural, unpolished, untreated NOTABLE POINTS: • Dominant central crystal with exceptional internal cleanliness • Distinct step growth visible across the main faces • Intense Madagascar sky blue with strong optical depth • Excellent light response under controlled illumination • Balanced cluster composition with strong display presence • Well preserved crystal faces with vitreous lustre • Natural, stable matrix providing strong visual contrast • Classic celestite aesthetic from the Sakoany deposit • Specimen scale with clear museological presence • Unpolished, untreated, and fully natural COLLECTOR’S INTEREST: This is a specimen that moves beyond decorative appeal into true collector territory. The combination of a dominant central crystal, high internal clarity, and readable step growth places it well above the average for celestite clusters, even within the strong Madagascar market. Collectors value celestite most when it offers both colour and structure, and this piece delivers both in a way that is immediately legible and visually commanding. It is a display grade specimen, suited to serious collections, thematic exhibits of blue minerals, or sulphate focused cabinets where a single piece can anchor an entire shelf. LAPIDARY POTENTIAL: This specimen is not intended for lapidary use. Any cutting would irreversibly destroy the natural architecture, eliminate the dominant central crystal, and remove the growth features that define its geological identity. Its value is entirely in preservation, where the specimen remains complete, authentic, and irreplaceable as nature formed it ——————- Shipping and Handling: All orders are shipped by Portuguese National Post. • Dispatch time: within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation to Catawiki • Transit time with CTT service: between 5 to 7 business days within europe and worldwide, depending on destination national post. • A tracking number is always provided Photography and transparency: All photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions using a macro lens, carefully selected to present each specimen as accurately as possible. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation are applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, replicating neutral daylight to reveal natural tones, surface features, and internal characteristics. Under warmer or weaker indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal. The purpose of this photographic process is documentation and representation, not visual enhancement. Images are intended to reflect the specimen faithfully as it appears under balanced natural light conditions. Identification and ethics: All specimens offered are natural and described to the best of our knowledge, based on direct sourcing, professional experience, and information provided by trusted suppliers working at the origin. Every effort is made to ensure transparency and accuracy regarding identification, locality, and general characteristics, avoiding misleading statements about treatment, provenance, or nature. Customs and import taxes: Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities. Guarantee and resolution: Customer satisfaction is important. In the unlikely event of an issue such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us promptly through Catawiki’s messaging system. Each case is handled individually and fairly, with appropriate solutions offered when justified. Appreciation and commitment: We sincerely thank you for your trust. Our work focuses on careful selection, accurate representation, and respectful presentation of mineral specimens with character and interest. Each piece is chosen for its individual qualities rather than speculative or financial considerations. We aim to provide a transparent, reliable, and consistent experience for collectors at all levels. With gratitude, GemPulse Minerals