Celestine on Sulphur (Ref: 6294)

Although in this case the 2 cm long Celestine crystals are slightly smaller than on the previous specimen, they are significantly more transparent and have an incredible vitreous luster. They sit on a characteristic matrix of lemon-yellow crystallized Sulfur and thus form a wonderful colorful contrast. Of course, the entire specimen is pristine from all sides. The usual spots of contact are only on the periphery. This is definitely a gem from the La Grasta Mine south of Caltanissetta, which was closed in 1987. Towards the end of the 19th century, around 75% of the world’s sulfur was produced in Sicily. Poor peasants provided cheap labor—including child labor— inhumane working conditions, and the monopoly position made the owners of the Sulfur mine rich. Ignoring their anti-social behavior and blinded by the huge profits, they did not make any investments for the future. This attitude took bitter revenge with the invention of the Frasch process in the US (a method to extract sulfur from underground deposits by taking advantage of the low melting point of sulfur) and the development of the Sulfur huge deposits in Louisiana and Texas. As early as 1914, Italy´s share of the Sulfur world production had fallen to 14%; in 1965 there were still 180 and in 1983 there were still 13 mines. Today there is no longer any sulfur mining in Sicily, the old mines are sealed and all what is left are dumps and ruins of the processing plants.