Shattuckite 925 Silver Pendant - Height: 5 cm - Width: 3.5 cm- 33 g - (1)

1. Shattuckite natural (Shattuckite), an uncommon copper mineral, presented in a spectacular XL-sized oval cabochon. It stands out for the combination of intense turquoise blue, deep blue, dark matrix, and large reddish-brown areas. The pattern is completely irregular, making each specimen a unique piece. 2. Chemical formula Cu₅(SiO₃)₄(OH)₂ Shattuckite is a hydrated copper silicate. Copper is responsible for its blue to blue-green hues. 3. Mineralogical classification Crystal system: orthorhombic. Hardness: about 3.5 Mohs. Color: blue, intense blue, turquoise and blue-green. Luster: vitreous to silky depending on its formation. It is considerably less common in jewelry than quartz, agate, amethyst, or lapis lazuli. 4. History and origin of the name Shattuckite was identified in the early 20th century and owes its name to the Shattuck Mine in Bisbee, Arizona, a historic American copper mine. Subsequently, deposits were found in other parts of the world, but it remains a relatively little-known mineral to the general public. 5. XL size We are looking at a large cabochon, with a presence far beyond what is typical in commercial jewelry. The XL format also has a mineralogical advantage: it allows observing a much larger surface of the rock and clearly appreciating its different phases, colors, veining, and matrix. 6. A stone that looks like a landscape This piece has a particularly interesting pattern. The top features intense turquoise blues; the center is dominated by a large dark, metallic-earthy area, and the bottom again combines blue, green, and reddish-brown matrix. Overall, it resembles an abstract mineral landscape. It is not a drawn addition: it is the result of natural geological processes. 7. Gemological curiosities Shattuckite commonly forms in oxidation zones of copper deposits, where it may coexist with other secondary copper minerals. Therefore some specimens exhibit extraordinarily complex compositions. In a large cabochon, the lapidary’s job is precisely to find within the rock the cut that best shows that natural composition. 8. Cabochon and polishing The stone has been worked into an oval cabochon, without facets. This type of cut is especially suitable for opaque minerals because it does not aim to produce flashes like a transparent gem. Its function is to reveal color, veining, matrix, and the internal pattern. The polish provides visual depth to the blue. 9. 925 silver mounting The mineral is completely surrounded by a 925 sterling silver mounting. The 925 contrast is visible on the bail and is photographically documented. The silver has been analyzed by XRF (X-ray fluorescence). 10. A mounting with presence A thin metal sheet to hold the stone was not simply used. The cabochon is surrounded by a complete, visible silver frame, which gives greater presence to the piece and protects the mineral’s perimeter. In an XL piece, the proportion between mineral and mount is particularly important. 11. Authenticity The visible structure shows irregular color changes, matrix, small veining, and natural transitions between the different mineral zones. These irregularities are precisely part of the appeal of a natural stone: two cabochons never reproduce exactly the same pattern. Macro photographs allow detailed examination of the surface and are an essential part of the description. 12. Fakes, treatments, and imitations This section is especially important. Blue minerals are among the most imitated and manipulated materials on the market due to their commercial appeal. Stones can be dyed, stabilized materials, colored resins, reconstructed minerals, compounds, and other stones marketed under incorrect names. In copper minerals it is also common for different, similarly appearing species to be marketed interchangeably. Therefore a responsible identification should consider color, matrix, structure, mineral associations, and material behavior, avoiding reliance on an attractive blue alone. 13. Rarity and collector value Shattuckite does not belong to the group of minerals that regularly appear in commercial jewelry. Its appeal increases when it combines three characteristics: good blue development, attractive matrix, and substantial size. This piece also adds a complete 925 silver mounting, which may interest both jewelry enthusiasts and mineral collectors. 14. Tribute to those who make each piece possible Behind a finished mineral there is much more work than we typically see. This piece is also intended as a small tribute to the miners who extract the rock, workers who select the material, cutters, lapidaries, polishers, and silversmiths. From the deposit to the finished cabochon, knowledge, manual effort, and crafts passed down through generations are involved. Nature creates the mineral over millions of years; human work enables us to discover it, select it, and turn it into a piece we can preserve. 15. Conservation and care Shattuckite is considerably more delicate than minerals like quartz. It should be protected from impacts, drops, abrasives, chemicals, and drastic temperature changes. Ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended. Gently wipe with a soft cloth and store separately from harder stones that could scratch it. Tips Because of its XL size, we recommend using a chain or cord with appropriate strength. It is a piece intended to take a central role: it works especially well as a pendant on neutral colors, where the natural blue achieves maximum presence. Seller profile Engineer, MBA, and Master in Marketing, with more than 40 years of international business and commercial experience. Each piece is selected individually applying criteria of authenticity, mineralogy, aesthetics, jewelry construction, and market value. Special attention is paid to less common minerals, specimens with personality, and silver settings that add real value to the whole. Our goal is not merely to offer decorative jewelry, but a piece that combines nature, knowledge, human labor, and geological history. Authenticity, discernment, and real value. It is not just a purchase; it is knowing how to choose.

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