Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q126871366" class="extiw" title="d:Q126871366"><span title="photographer from the United States">Nessa Eull</span></a></bdi> (CC0)
triclinicuncommonsulfates
Chalcanthite
CuSO₄·5H₂O
This image displays vibrant blue, crusty aggregates and nodules of Chalcanthite, with the largest nodule measuring 2 cm across.
Chalcanthite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
2.5Crystal System
triclinicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
imperfect on {110}Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.28Colors
blue, sky-blue, greenish-blueTransparency
transparentType Locality
Northern Chile, MontanaMineral Group
sulfatesUses
copper ore, collectorAssociated Minerals
Rarity
uncommonGeological Context
Chalcanthite forms as a secondary mineral in copper deposits, often precipitating as encrustations, aggregates, and stalactites in mine shafts. In arid regions like northern Chile, it can be a significant copper ore.
