Shattuckite (good quality) (2014 find)

Item Description

From the major discovery of 2014, the Shattuckite specimens from this mine completely redefined the species in terms of quality, size and color. The best specimens from this discovery featured some incredibly rich blue hues combined with incredibly large display pieces comprising big radial groups of Shattuckite. Interestingly, we saw virtually no specimens with any matrix, so the entire pocket was a giant "pod" of world-class Shattuckite. This mineral is a rare copper silicate, and was often only seen in small quantities in association with other species. The Tantara specimen are remarkably free of associations, though analysis done at the University of Arizona shows that there is minor Ajoite and Plancheite present within the specimens. A good friend of ours told us that these specimens are incredibly similar to some old pieces in the museum of Brussels that were mined 80+ years ago. He also said that the area that produced these pieces is completely mined out, and we may never see Shattuckite of this size and quality again. This small cabinet specimen hosts a handful of beautiful soft blue colored, radiating groups of Shattuckite free of matrix. If you collect rare species, copper minerals simply or Congolese minerals, do not miss out on this attractive and colorful specimen from this historic discovery. It is certainly rare to find display specimens of this hard to find species in anything larger than thumbnail examples on the market, and the attractive form makes them all the more desirable. Valued at $650 in the inventory.