Shattuckite

Shattuckite
General
CategoryInosilicate
FormulaCu5(SiO3)4(OH)2
IMA symbolSha[1]
Strunz classification9.DB.40
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPcab
Identification
ColorDark and light blue, turquoise
Crystal habitCommonly spherulitic aggregates of acicular crystals
Cleavageperfect along [010] and [100]
Fractureuneven
Mohs scale hardness3.5
LusterDull to silky
StreakBlue
DiaphaneityTranslucent to opaque
Specific gravity4.1 (rather heavy for a non-metallic mineral)
Optical propertiesBiaxial (+)
Refractive indexnα = 1.753, nβ = 1.782, nγ = 1.815
PleochroismX = very pale blue; Y = pale blue; Z = deep blue
References[2][3][4]

Shattuckite is a copper silicate hydroxide mineral with formula Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic – dipyramidal crystal system and usually occurs in a granular massive form and also as fibrous acicular crystals. It is closely allied to plancheite in structure and appearance.

Shattuckite is a relatively rare copper silicate mineral. It was first discovered in 1915 in the copper mines of Bisbee, Arizona, specifically the Shattuck Mine (hence the name). It is a secondary mineral that forms from the alteration of other secondary minerals. At the Shattuck Mine, it forms pseudomorphs after malachite. A pseudomorph is an atom by atom replacement of a crystal structure by another crystal structure, but with little alteration of the outward shape of the original crystal. It is sometimes used as a gemstone.[5]

  • Shattuckite with malachite, about 4 cm wide. Kaokoveld Mine, Namibia
    Shattuckite with malachite, about 4 cm wide. Kaokoveld Mine, Namibia
  • Shattuckite crystals form concentric circular clusters of spraying, elongated, acicular crystals. Associated with them are small bits of contrasting primary malachite crystals in a deep green color
    Shattuckite crystals form concentric circular clusters of spraying, elongated, acicular crystals. Associated with them are small bits of contrasting primary malachite crystals in a deep green color
  • Botryoidal balls of shattuckite, from the Kaokoveld Mine, Kaokoveld Plateau, Kunene Region, Namibia
    Botryoidal balls of shattuckite, from the Kaokoveld Mine, Kaokoveld Plateau, Kunene Region, Namibia
  • Polished shattuckite with malachite, New Cornelia mine, Ajo, Arizona. Size 5.3 × 5.1 × 5.0 cm
    Polished shattuckite with malachite, New Cornelia mine, Ajo, Arizona. Size 5.3 × 5.1 × 5.0 cm

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ Shattuckite. Webmineral.com. Retrieved on 2011-10-10.
  3. ^ Shattuckite. Mindat.org (2011-09-08). Retrieved on 2011-10-10.
  4. ^ Shattuckite. Handbook of Mineralogy. (PDF) . Retrieved on 2011-10-10.
  5. ^ "Shattuckite: The blue mineral shattuckite information and pictures".
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