Shattuckite Teardrop Cabochons · Namibia

Teardrop-shaped Namibian Shattuckite cabochons, between 10×6 and 11×5 mm. Each piece displays the intense turquoise blue characteristic of this rare copper silicate, with green veins of chrysocolla and a quartz matrix that provides structural cohesion. Cut in our lapidary workshop from rough material from Namibia. Treatment: resin stabilized.

Item details

This particular piece

The pieces in this lot show different proportions of shattuckite blue versus chrysocolla green. Some are predominantly blue with barely a green filament at the base; others display a balanced mosaic of both minerals. The quartz matrix is visible at the edges of some pieces as a grayish halo that provides solidity to the whole without obscuring the main color.

The small teardrop shape—between 10 and 11 mm long—makes them especially versatile for earrings or light pendants. The lapidary decision to work them in this format responds to the orientation of the chromatic pattern in the rough material: the cut follows the direction in which the color is most intensely concentrated.

What setting it works for

• Bezel setting in 925 silver — With a hardness of 3.5 Mohs, shattuckite cannot withstand direct pressure from prongs. The bezel setting is the most recommended option to protect the cabochon long-term and keep the polish intact.
• Delicate earrings and pendants — The small size (10–11 mm) and teardrop shape are ideal for symmetrical earrings or pendants on a fine silver chain. The intense blue works very well with unoxidized silver.
• Wire wrap — Possible with fine gauge wire; tension must be well distributed to avoid concentrating pressure at a single point, given the mineral's relative fragility.

Shattuckite in lapidary tradition

Rare and prized, for decades it was more of a collector's mineral than a jewelry mineral due to its fragility. With the popularization of stabilization in the 80s and 90s, it began to be cut. Namibia —areas like Kaokoveld— is a source of some of the best chromatic pieces. In crystal therapy, it is associated with clarity of expression (turquoise blue).

The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.

How to recognize genuine Shattuckite

Its blue is opaque and deep, distinct from the brilliant blue of turquoise or the paler sky blue of pure chrysocolla. Under a magnifying glass, abrupt transitions can be seen between blue (shattuckite) and green (chrysocolla) areas. Tinted glass or blue resins are more homogeneous and lack this microstructure.

Frequently asked questions

Why does it need stabilization?

With only 3.5–4 Mohs hardness, shattuckite has a porous and micro-fractured structure that, without treatment, would make it difficult to obtain a durable polish. The resin fills these micropores and consolidates the material. The color is not altered by the stabilization process.

Can I put it in a ring?

It is not the most advisable option for daily use given its low hardness. For earrings and pendants —where there is no frequent contact with hard surfaces— stabilized shattuckite with a bezel setting performs perfectly long-term.

How do I know which variant I will receive?

Each variant corresponds to a specific piece from the photographed lot. Select the one you like best from the menu; that is exactly what you will receive. The measurements are within the range of 10×6 to 11×5 mm.

Is shattuckite toxic on contact?

As a copper mineral, it is recommended to wash hands after handling it in the rough for prolonged periods. The polished and stabilized cabochon is safe for jewelry use in normal skin contact.