Oval cabochon of shattuckite in smoky quartz, 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.
Item 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 (hardness of protective quartz) — we recommend closed bezel setting |
| Origin |
Material acquired from wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
No treatment |
| Type of piece |
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 translucent smoky quartz matrix does not compete with the blue: it frames it with a neutral background that allows the shattuckite's color to be perceived with its full saturation.
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 from the superficial alteration of primary copper minerals in the oxidation zone of copper sulfide deposits. Its intense blue to bluish-green color comes from the 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. Pure shattuckite has a hardness of only 3.5 Mohs, which would make it too fragile for individual lapidary use; when encapsulated in quartz — as in this piece — the quartz acts as a protective matrix and provides its 7 Mohs hardness, making the ensemble suitable for jewelry.
What setting it works for
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Bezel setting (925 silver) — The 14 × 12 mm format is ideal for signet rings or medium pendants in silver. 925 silver and the blue of shattuckite are one of the most requested color combinations in jewelry making with copper minerals.
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Pendants with silver mounting — The rarity of the mineral and the uniqueness of the pattern make this piece a natural candidate for collector or display pendants.
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Wire wrap — Possible with copper or silver wire; copper reinforces the chromatic coherence with the copper mineral that gives shattuckite its color.
Shattuckite in lapidary tradition
Shattuckite is a relatively recent mineral in Western lapidary tradition, being primarily known since the 20th century through large copper deposits in Arizona, Congo (Katanga), and Namibia. Its rarity in lapidary quality — most specimens are tiny masses unsuitable for cutting — makes it one of the stones with the highest "mineralogical rarity" value among copper silicates, a group that also includes chrysocolla, azurite, and malachite.
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 emerges 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 shows the blue as a three-dimensional inclusion within the crystal: when rotating the piece, the blue is clearly below the glassy surface of the quartz, not on it. The distribution pattern is irregular — dendritic or cloudy — not homogeneous. Imitations by dyeing or colored resin show the color on the surface or in open fractures, without the characteristic visual depth of a real mineral inclusion.
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 use. In this piece, it is encapsulated within quartz (7 Mohs), which acts as a protective matrix. The hardness that matters for mounting is that of the quartz.
Is the material treated?
No detectable treatment. The blue of shattuckite is natural, originating from copper ions in the mineral's structure. Statement based on lapidary observation; no formal gemological certification.
What distinguishes 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 real mine specimens, they can coexist in the same rock.
Is it suitable for a ring?
With the hardness of quartz (7 Mohs) as protection, it is suitable for rings with moderate use with a closed bezel. We do not recommend exposure to strong impacts.
Are the dimensions exact?
14 × 12 × 5 mm with a tolerance of ±0.5 mm. Hand-cut, not industrially calibrated.
How is it cared for?
Clean with warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid acids and abrasive cleaners. Store separately from harder materials. More information in our jewelry care guide.
More copper minerals: lapidary collection. See also: chrysocolla properties.
