Shattuckite
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Mineral NameShattuckite
Chemical FormulaCu₅(SiO₃)₄(OH)₂
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorlight blue
Cleavagegood on {100}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.8
Colorsazure blue, light blue, dark blue, turquoise blue
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityCornelia Mine, Ajo District, Little Ajo Mountains, Pima County, Arizona, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usescollector, jewelry
Associated Mineralsconichalcite, malachite, chrysocolla, azurite, dioptase
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features vibrant azure to dark blue shattuckite, with some areas showing greenish-blue patches, likely conichalcite, on a matrix. The mineral exhibits a fine-grained to fibrous texture.
Geological Context
Shattuckite is a secondary copper silicate mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits, typically in arid or semi-arid environments, resulting from the alteration of primary copper minerals.
