Shattuckita
Shattuckita is a mineral with formula Cu₅(SiO₃)₄(OH)₂, in the Silicatos (Inosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Otjozongombe
Old German mine, Kandesei, Kaokoveld, Kunene, Namibia and joined the Terrium collection in 2019.
Description
Shatu la Blanca. Very good specimen. Geode in white quartz with deep blue, velvety shattuckite forming spherical aggregates. The spheres are well defined, aligned within a clean, symmetrical cavity. Minor green and reddish associations along the margins. Balanced specimen.
History of this specimen
This is the sister counterpart to "Shatu la Negra", 0045, which shows the same shattuckite but in a dense, dark metallic matrix.
About Shattuckita
Shattuckite is a copper mineral, a hydrated silicate that forms in the oxidised zones of copper deposits, associated with chrysocolla, malachite and other secondary minerals. Its colour ranges from deep blue to blue-green. It shows botryoidal, fibrous or acicular habits, with a silky to velvety texture. Specimens are uncommon, especially as well-defined spherical aggregates.
About the locality
Kandesei, in the Old German Mine area, is one of the classic Namibian localities for high-quality shattuckite. Here, geodes in white quartz with well-formed spheres and velvety texture are especially prized, and have become a collecting icon. Mining ceased years ago, so fine material comes from old stock and is increasingly scarce.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0044
- Composition
- Cu₅(SiO₃)₄(OH)₂
- Name
- Shattuckita
- Group
- Silicatos (Inosilicatos)
- Category
- Cavella
- Matrix
- Cuarzo
- Mine
- Otjozongombe Old German mine
- District / Municipality
- Kandesei
- Province
- Kaokoveld
- Region
- Kunene
- Country
- Namibia
- Size (cm)
- 7 x 6 x 3
- Weight
- 163.3 g
- Acquired
- 2019
- Ex-collection
- Giuseppe Baldizzone
- Etymology
- Discovered at the Shattuck Mine (Arizona), from which it takes its name; shattuckite is a rare copper silicate noted for its vivid blue colour and botryoidal or fibrous forms.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Al alza
Related specimens
- Aerenita — España
- Arfvedsonita — Marruecos
- Arfvedsonita —
- Azurita — Namibia
- Berilo (Aguamarina) — Namibia
- Boltwoodita — Namibia
- Cianita (Negra) — Brasil
- Cuarzo (Ahumado) — Namibia