Shattuckite is an uncommon secondary Copper mineral found in the oxidation zone in Copper deposits. It is renowned for its striking blue color – from light blue, to turquoise blue to dark blue. It is named after the Shattuck Mine in Bisbee, Arizona, where this mineral was first discovered. With its exceptional color and silky luster, it is a favorite among collectors. It is occasionally found with a druzy covering of transparent, colorless Quartz, creating one of the more aesthetic presentations in the mineral world. It often occurs in association with Malachite, Quartz, Dioptase, Chrysocolla, Smoky Quartz and Calcite to name a few.
The crystal system for Shattuckite is orthorhombic, rarely forming sizable or elongated crystals, but typical forms are radiating, botryoidal, globular, reniform and stalactitic. Other forms include acicular, radial, lining the interior of vugs, pseudomorphs and concentric banding.
Shattuckite is rare and found in limited localities, including Namibia, the USA (Arizona) and Zaire.