Shattuckita
Shattuckita is a mineral with formula Cu₅(SiO₃)₄(OH)₂, in the Silicatos (Inosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Mesopotamia 504 Farm, Khorixas, Kaokoveld, Kunene, Namibia and joined the Terrium collection in 2025.
Description
Shatu la negra. Well-defined blue-green botryoidal shattuckite on dense, heavy black matrix. Silky lustre, characteristic fibrous, velvety texture. Good under a loupe.
History of this specimen
Sister counterpart to "Shatu la Blanca", 0044, which shows the same shattuckite but on a white quartz 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 habit, with a silky, velvety texture. It is uncommon, especially in well-defined spherical aggregates.
About the locality
Mesopotamia 504 Farm, in the Mesopotamia Copper Valley, is a polymetallic deposit of copper-bearing veins and other mineralisations. Botryoidal shattuckite and other classic secondary minerals have been collected here, but there is no documentation of a continuous modern mining operation. The few pieces available come mainly from historical workings, outcrops, or small, artisanal and scattered workings in the region.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0045
- Composition
- Cu₅(SiO₃)₄(OH)₂
- Name
- Shattuckita
- Group
- Silicatos (Inosilicatos)
- Category
- Cavella
- Matrix
- Galena masiva
- Mine
- Mesopotamia 504 Farm
- District / Municipality
- Khorixas
- Province
- Kaokoveld
- Region
- Kunene
- Country
- Namibia
- Size (cm)
- 4 x 4 x 3
- Acquired
- 2025
- Etymology
- Named after the Shattuck Mine, Arizona, where it was discovered. Shattuckite is a rare copper silicate, known for its blue colour and botryoidal or fibrous forms.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Aerenita — España
- Arfvedsonita — Marruecos
- Arfvedsonita —
- Azurita — Namibia
- Berilo (Aguamarina) — Namibia
- Boltwoodita — Namibia
- Cianita (Negra) — Brasil
- Cuarzo (Ahumado) — Namibia