Shattuckite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameShattuckite
Chemical FormulaCu₅(SiO₃)₄(OH)₂
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Streak Colorlight blue
Cleavagegood on {100}
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity3.8
Colorsblue, light blue, sky blue, turquoise blue
Transparencytranslucent to opaque
Type LocalityKaokoveld Mine, Kaokoveld Plateau, Kunene Region, Namibia
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usescollector, jewelry
Associated Mineralsmalachite, chrysocolla, dioptase, ajoite, plancheite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen showcases botryoidal masses of light blue shattuckite forming a geode-like cavity, with vibrant green acicular malachite crystals nestled at the base.
Geological Context
Shattuckite is a secondary copper silicate mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits, typically as an alteration product of other copper minerals in arid environments.
