Chalcanthite (post-mining crystal)

Item Description

Chalcanthite is a hydrated copper sulfate mineral which is naturally occurring, but often can be found as a post-mining producing on the walls of secondary copper deposits, where the copper-rich mine waters will evaporate, leaving behind these beautiful electric blue crystals. This piece is from the lesser-known Joe Bishop Mine in Utah and is honestly a superb example of post-mining Chalcanthite. The crystal is essentially a complete "floater", crystallized all around with very sharp, well-formed, lustrous faces on all sides. The color is an intense neon blue, almost reminiscent of the blue Apatites from Bahia, Brazil and the crystal really glows internally when backlit. A cool esoteric specimen that is frankly better than most post-mining Chalcanthites I've seen in terms of sharpness, luster and overall quality.