$600Median
3Sold (12 mo)
$535Last sale
Buttgenbachite
8 in the gallery
Buttgenbachite is a copper nitrate hydroxide mineral that forms as a distinct blue-green to greenish-blue species. It commonly occurs in crystalline masses and can exhibit lustre ranging from vitreous to resinous, with a textured surface that highlights its intricate crystal habit. The mineral’s chemistry and hydration contribute to its characteristic coloration and optical properties, making it recognizable under standard mineralogical lighting.
- Formula
- Cu19(NO3)2(OH)32Cl4 · 2H2O
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Unstable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
Where Buttgenbachite is found
About Buttgenbachite
Notable specimens come from localities in the DR Congo and the United States, where it has been identified in secondary copper-bearing environments associated with altered sulfide deposits. Collectors appreciate buttgenbachite for its unusual composition and the way its crystals and masses reflect light, often contrasting with more common copper minerals. Specimens can offer a striking visual appeal in cabinet displays, especially when well-formed crystals are preserved and contrasted against matrix minerals. While not the most common specimen in rock shops, buttgenbachite remains of interest to those pursuing copper-oxide and nickel-bearing assemblages and to collectors who value locality-driven pieces.
