SHATTUCKITE.
The Tarot Slinger
Shattuckite is very much a crystal for the spiritual beings amongst us and those seeking their true calling in this world. It has heavy energy, which is both protective and balancing, giving vibes of harmony and peace. You feel safe with Shattuckite, as if it has your back as it gently guides you towards your higher purpose. Shattuckite has some duality about it, connecting to both the Third Eye and Throat Chakras, aiding in both psychic visioning and fluid communication of those visions; See and Speak - making it an ideal crystal for Tarot Readers.
Shattuckite is a blue copper-based mineral and can often be found in combination with other copper-based minerals such as Malachite, Chrysocolla, and Dioptase. It can also form in or on minerals like Quartz and Calcite. It is a copper silicate hydroxide which can form as a granular massive, or as fibrous acicular crystals - which sometimes look like fibrous fuzzy balls. But here’s the thing with Shattuckite, it is a pseudomorph. Much like an invasive species, taking over another type of mineral or crystal at an atomic level, one atom at a time. So it merges its way in, which is why you often find it in a matrix with other minerals.
Shattuckite is rare, and is generally found around the world in copper-rich mining areas, such as Africa (Namibia, DRC, South Africa), South America (Argentina, Chile), the US (New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada), Mexico, Europe (Greece, Italy, Austria, Slovakia), the UK, and with some very minor deposits in Japan. Its type locality is the Shattuck Mine, Bisbee, in Arizona, from whence it got its name.
Shattuckite, from the Kaokoveld Mine, Kaokoveld Plateau, Kunene Region, Namibia
© Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com (iRocks is one of the best specimen dealers in the US)
Buyer’s Guide to Shattuckite
Below is the buyer’s guide for Shattuckite for both private and retail buyers. However, the advice that applies to both is - be careful. It is often confused by sellers as another blue mineral - Azurite, especially when it’s in matrix. There are also ethical issues around minerals coming out of the DRC and Namibia. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions about the mining location. You can often find the mine itself on mindat.org if you want to research yourself before making a purchase decision.
Private Buyers
Shattuckite is not readily available in all crystal stores - it’s a bit more niche than most other copper minerals, such as Malachite or Chrysocolla. When you do find it, it is often in a small tumble in combination with other minerals. These work perfectly well for metaphysical purposes, but a combo crystal will always have a unique vibe, so you should hand-pick one that you resonate with. It is possible to find Shattuckite as a polished massive or in rough form, but it will be a bit more pricey.
Some of the best specimens come from the Kunene region in Namibia, Ajo in Arizona, Sonora in Mexico, and the DRC. Look for fibrous, fuzzy balls or Shattukite in Quartz for something with some serious phantom vibes.
Shattuckite pocket stone with other minerals in matrix. Ideal for metaphysical purposes.
I have only ever sold Shattuckite as small tumbles, or in matrix with other minerals (Quantum Quattro), never purely on its own. It is about 30-40% more expensive than buying in agate or quartz-based material, and it can look a bit small and unimpressive in a bowl of tumbles. If I were to stock it again, I think I would take two routes with it:
Stock it as larger, polished nodules, choosing vibrant blue pieces - perhaps with Malachite or Chrysocolla if the pattern looked good.
As Quantum Quattro tumbles. We used to stock these online and in-store, and people do seem to seek it out. It sold better than Shattuckite on its own. Quantum Quattro is from Namibia and is meant to consist of Chrysocolla, Malachite, Shattuckite, Dioptase, usually in a matrix of Smoky Quartz.
I would only go down the specimen route if you have customers for that type of material. And then I would stick to the botryoidal-type fuzzy balls and Shattuckite in Quartz if you can manage to get your hands on some. I think both of these would do well on social media live sales.
Quick Guide | Shattuckite
Zodiac: Shattuckite doesn’t seem to have consensus on which zodiac signs it is associated with - there seems to be a fair few. The best I can surmise from various sources is that generally it is aligned with Sagittarius and Aquarius.
Ruling Planet: The ruling planet for Shattuckite is Venus.
Chakra: Shattuckite is associated with the Third Eye (Ajna) and Throat (Vishuddha) Chakra.
Element: Shattuckite is aligned with the element of Aether.
Crystal Charging: Shattuckite can be charged overnight under a full moon. I get vibes from Shattuckite, so I would recommend you do a smoke cleanse with something like White Sage before you begin using it.
Crystal Elixir: Shattuckite is not water safe and should not be used to make a crystal elixir. There has not been enough testing done on this mineral to conclude that it is safe to use in water.
Crystal Care: Polished Shattuckite can get a little wet, but aim to dry it quickly. It would be best to just clean it with a soft, dry cloth. For raw specimens, avoid water and either give them a little blast with a compressed air duster if they are sturdy enough or use a dry, soft make-up/paint brush to clean them. Shattuckite in Quartz can get a little bath time in lukewarm water.
The chemical formula for Shattuckite: Cu₅(SiO₃)₄(OH)₂