Oval shattuckite in smoky quartz cabochon, 14 × 12 × 5 mm. Electric blue shattuckite veins create dendritic and cloudy patterns over the translucent quartz matrix. Shattuckite is one of the rarest copper silicates in lapidary quality; here, it appears protected within the quartz, which provides the necessary hardness for mounting. Hand-cut in our lapidary workshop.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Shattuckite in smoky quartz (copper silicate in quartz matrix) |
| Dimensions |
14 × 12 × 5 mm |
| Shape and Back |
Oval; flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs (protective quartz hardness) — we recommend a closed bezel setting |
| Origin |
Material acquired in lapidary wholesale market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece |
This Specific Piece
The shattuckite pattern in this cabochon forms veins that branch into fine dendrites with cloudy areas where the mineral concentration is higher. The blue is electric-greenish —characteristic of copper silicates— with variations in intensity that create visual depth.
The 14 × 12 mm oval was chosen to frame the area of highest shattuckite concentration in the center of the cabochon, with enough clean quartz margin around for a stable bezel.
What is Shattuckite
Shattuckite is a rare copper silicate that forms by surface alteration of primary copper minerals in the oxidation zone of cupriferous sulfide deposits. Its intense blue to bluish-green color comes from copper ions (Cu²⁺) in its structure. It was first described in 1915 from specimens from the Shattuck Mine in Bisbee, Arizona (USA), from which it takes its name.
For Which Mount It Works
-
Bezel setting (925 silver) — The 14 × 12 mm format is ideal for signet rings or medium-sized pendants in silver.
-
Pendants with silver mounting — The rarity of the mineral and the uniqueness of the pattern make this piece a natural candidate for collectible or display pendants.
-
Wire wrap — Possible with copper or silver wire; copper enhances the chromatic coherence with the copper mineral that gives color to the shattuckite.
Shattuckite in Lapidary Tradition
Shattuckite is a relatively recent mineral in Western lapidary tradition, mainly known since the 20th century through large copper deposits in Arizona, Congo (Katanga), and Namibia.
In crystal tradition, shattuckite is associated with authentic communication and well-founded intuition. Its deep blue and the rarity of the mineral are interpreted as references to the clarity that arises from what is genuinely scarce and genuinely 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 in Quartz
Genuine shattuckite in quartz presents the blue as a three-dimensional inclusion within the crystal: when rotating the piece, the blue is clearly below the vitreous surface of the quartz, not on it. The distribution pattern is irregular —dendritic or cloudy— not homogeneous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shattuckite by itself fragile?
Yes. Pure shattuckite has a hardness of 3.5 Mohs, which would make it unsuitable for individual lapidary work. In this piece, it is encapsulated within quartz (7 Mohs), which acts as a protective matrix. The hardness that counts for mounting is that of the quartz.
Is the material treated?
No detectable treatment. The blue of the shattuckite is natural, originated by copper ions in the mineral's structure. Statement based on lapidary observation; no formal gemological certification.
What differentiates this shattuckite from chrysocolla?
Both shattuckite and chrysocolla are blue-green copper silicates, and often appear associated in the same deposits. Shattuckite is rarer, with a more saturated blue and a defined crystalline structure; chrysocolla is more massive and its blue-green is lighter. In actual pieces from deposits, they can coexist in the same rock.
More copper minerals: lapidary collection. See also: chrysocolla properties.
