Shattuckite

Shattuckite

By Tim Matthews, JD, FGA, GG, DGA,
CEO and President of JTV (retired)
Published: June 2014
Modified: May 2022
Shattuckite Polished Shattuckite Rough

Shattuckite is an extremely rare cuprian mineral that is found mixed most commonly with quartz. Its name is derived from a find in the Shattuck Mine in Bisbee, Arizona. Shattuckite comes in pale to striking blue shades.

General Information

Common Name
Shattuckite
Species
Shattuckite
Transparency
Translucent-Semitransparent
Dispersion
Strength: Moderate Fire
Refractive Index
Over The Limit 1.753-1.815
Birefringence
0.062
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Negative
Polariscope Reaction
Aggregate (AGG)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
CCF Reaction
None
Pleochroism
Trichroic, sky blue, medium blue, dark blue
Hardness
3.5
Streak
Pale blue
Specific Gravity
3.800-4.150
Toughness
Poor
Luster
Silky
Fracture
Granular
Cleavage
Perfect
Chemical Name
Copper Silicate Hydroxide
Chemical Formula
Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2
Crystal System
Orthorhombic
Chemistry Classification
Silicate

Shattuckite Colors

  • Blue Shattuckite
    Blue
  • Blue Shattuckite
    Blue

Countries of Origin

Unknown; Namibia; United States of America

Care

Shattuckite is soft so take care when handing specimens. Stones are frequently stabilized so avoid hard wear, heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaner.