Shattuckite XL 925 silver Pendant - Height: 5 cm - Width: 3 cm- 26.7 g - (1)

Piece: Pendant with a natural Shattuckite cabochon (blue/green copper-bearing matrix) set in 925 sterling silver (stamped “925”).

Cut: Polished cabochon (not faceted), designed to showcase internal structure and mineralogical pattern.

1) Antique batch and market context (pre-boom of counterfeits)

This specimen comes from an old batch (material acquired/selected before the massive surge of imitations, reconstituted materials, and stabilized copper-silicates of unclear provenance). In copper minerals, the market has become filled with composites and treated materials in recent years; therefore, pieces from earlier batches —selected traditionally for cabochon and with classic commercial traceability— are now considered more valuable and more interesting to collectors.

Also, high-quality material suitable for large cabochons (with drawing and color) is becoming increasingly selective, reinforcing its profile as a major investment for those seeking authentic and representative pieces.

2) Mineralogical identification (technical description)

Shattuckite is a hydrated copper silicate valued for its blue to blue-green hues and the richness of textures in copper-bearing matrix. In jewelry and collections it is often found associated with other copper minerals (e.g., chrysocolla/malachite/azurite, depending on the deposit), which explains:

- Zones of intense blues (copper silicates).
- Green areas (copper-bearing variations).
- Dark or brown-black parts (matrix/copper oxide and filling).
- The pattern is “cartographic” with fine veins and spots that give it a very natural and non-uniform appearance, characteristic of this material.

Chemical formula and classification
- Chemical formula: Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2
- Class: Silicates (cyclosilicates/sorosilicates in mineralogical literature; in practical collecting it is cataloged as hydrated copper silicate).
- Crystal system: commonly described as orthorhombic in mineral references.

(In copper minerals, small compositional variations and associations can influence the final tone; hence the visual description and the matrix are key.)


4) Physical properties (useful for the collector and technical buyer)
Color: blue, blue-green; sometimes with dark matrix.
Luster: vitreous to silky in mass; high polish on cabochon.
Streak: very pale blue (reference).
Mohs hardness: approx. 3.5–4 (hence the bezel is the ideal mounting: protects edges and reduces risk).
Density: typically around ~4 g/cm³ (matrix-variable).
Fracture: irregular; brittle tenacity (common in copper silicates).


5) Mineral history and formation (geo context)

Shattuckite forms in oxidation zones of copper deposits, where silica- and copper-rich fluids generate secondary associations. This origin explains its beauty: it is a “transformational” mineral born of hydrothermal/oxidative processes that produce color mosaics and textures in the matrix.

Its use in cabochon arises precisely from that natural pictorial structure, highly sought after by collectors of copper minerals.


6) Mounting and materials
Metal: 925 sterling silver (stamped).
Setting: Bezel setting, secure for a mineral with moderate hardness.
Bail: Large, suitable for a standard chain.


7) Measurements and weight (verified data)
Cabochon dimensions: 5.0 × 3.0 × 0.5 cm (50 × 30 × 5 mm).
Total pendant weight: 26.7 g.


8) Condition

Good condition. The silver is perfectly fine. The stone shows veins and tonal variations inherent to the mineral and its matrix (natural feature, not a defect). It is delivered exactly as photographed.


9) Treatments
Treatments: Not observed / not declared.
(In the market there are imitations and composites; this piece is presented with maximum transparency and detailed photographs.)

10) Investment and scarcity

High-quality copper minerals suitable for large cabochons and attractive patterning tend to increase in price due to demand and increasingly stringent selection. An antique batch, at a time of proliferation of counterfeits, reinforces the perceived value for collectors: a strong investment with a component of market rarity.

Acknowledgment: This piece exists thanks to human effort at origin; it is fair to recognize the hard work of miners and the extraction process that enables authentic minerals today.

11) Treatments and authenticity

Treatments: not observed / not declared.
There are imitations, composites, and treated materials in the market. This piece is presented with maximum transparency, supported by mineralogical reading, visual coherence, and detailed photographic documentation.

12) Probable provenance

By typology, coloration, and mineral associations, shattuckite is compatible with classic Namibia or Arizona deposits, both known for producing high-quality chromatic shattuckite.

Exact provenance is not documented (common in old batches), but the mineralogical identification is clear and consistent.

13) Investment, scarcity, and human note

Authentic copper minerals of quality suitable for large cabochons tend to appreciate due to material scarcity and rising counterfeits in the market. An antique batch, in this context, reinforces collector value and prospects as an investment.

This piece exists thanks to human effort at origin; it is fair to acknowledge the hard work of miners and the extraction process that allows today’s access to authentic minerals.