TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet


Calcantita

Calcantita is a mineral with formula CuSO₄·5H₂O, in the Sulfatos group. This specimen comes from Mina de San Diego, Rodalquilar, Almería, Andalucía, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2024.

Calcantita from Mina de San Diego, Rodalquilar, Almería, Andalucía, España — Terrium

Description

Triangular and tabular crystals of intense blue color, very fragile, with vitreous luster and great transparency. They are grouped on an earthy-toned matrix in a chaotic formation, forming a very aesthetic whole.

History of this specimen

Piece collected by Meli after extremely delicate extraction in a clayey environment, cleaned with a brush, slowly dried, and with the base modeled by hand to preserve the crystallizations. Very sensitive to humidity.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0417
Internal reference
T0024
Composition
CuSO₄·5H₂O
Name
Calcantita
Group
Sulfatos
Mine
Mina de San Diego
District / Municipality
Rodalquilar
Province
Almería
Region
Andalucía
Country
España
Size (cm)
5 x 3.5 x 2
Weight
45 g
Acquired
2024
Ex-collection
Meli
Etymology
From the Greek «chalkós» and «ánthos», “copper” and “flower”, alluding to its blue efflorescences.
Quality
Buena
Value trend
Estable

Related specimens

← Back to Terrium catalogue