Chalacnthite from the Dugway Range, Utah

Chalcanthite loosely translated from the Greek means "copper flower". From a very old abandoned mine in the north of the Dugway Mountain Range in Utah comes a very rare and attractive mineral. Specimens of chalcanthite are one-of-a-kind and are very hard to find. The color is a blindly deep azure blue or deep cobalt blue. The composition is Copper sulfate hydrate. For all the beauty of this incredible mineral, it has a hardness of only 2.5, which means you can score it with your finger nail. It is too soft to use in jewelry. However, it is an incredible mineral specimen that can be looked at, appreciated and absorbed for its awesome purity of beauty.

Very Rare - Chalcanthite from Utah

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Chalcanthite is one of only a few water soluble sulfate minerals. This fact drives much of what is interesting about this mineral. It forms in the near-surface secondary oxidation zone of copper deposits usually late in the development of these deposits. Since it is so soluble, it may crystallize, dissolve and recrystallize again and again before the deposit is discovered. this gives it the fascinating look of hundreds or thousands of tiny pin-like needles all over the host stone

In wetter regions, chalcanthite is not found in large quantities, but in arid regions, such as in Chile, Spain, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona it is often found. In many copper mines, chalcanthite is an ongoing precipitate forming blue encrustations, crystal aggregates and stalactites right on the sides of the mine's shaft and timbers. To be in a mine where this encrustation occurs is simply mind boggling because the sheer beauty of this stone looks unreal. to see an entire adit or tunnel coated like this just mesmerizes the lucky person who gets to see such a sight.

From a spiritual point of view, Chalcanthite is blue, and therefore, stimulates and activates our throat charka. This chakra allows communication to flow in all situations. We are able to speak our truth, and speak up for ourselves. For anyone who has problems speaking up, confronting others, or having to talk people, lecture or teach, Chalcanthite is a boom. The stone's incredible color releases our throat and gives us "voice" with which to communicate much better than before. Blue and our Throat Chakra are aligned with our ability to "hear" things that most people don't...and that includes feeling our intuitional voice much more clearly. too.

Care must be taken with your Chalcanthite specimens. It must be kept away from water and moist conditions. Why? Because there is a chemical effect with water causing the crystal to eventually crumble or dissolve. I would suggest to any mineral collector to store their specimen in a sealed container with desiccants to postpone any destructive effects. Some Chalcanthite seems resistant to water absorption and this resistance seems tied to the purity of the specimen, especially the lack of Iron impurities. Specimens should be kept away from damaging UV sunlight, too. With a little attention to its needs and some "TLC" your Chalcanthite will last indefinitely. Like us, it needs a little care, too.

This Chalcanthite specimen has eye-knocking-out color. It is strikingly formed and has ethereal clarity. It is a wonderful teaching tool to illustrate to children how some crystals form. Adult supervision is strongly suggested as Chalcanthite Is poisonous. Do not allow a child (or an animal, or indeed, an adult) to lick it. Copper in any form, is lethal. It is best to put your Chalcanthite under a plastic form so that no one can touch it. Besides, it can't be dusted and you want your specimen to always look radiant "under glass".

The bright blue color and distinctive qualities of this Chalcanthite specimen are very popular among collectors. It is one you won't want to miss. A definite must have specimen.