$90Median
1Sold (12 mo)
$90Last sale
Chalcanthite specimens for sale
5 for sale · $90–$295 USD
21 in the gallery
Chalcanthite is a hydrated copper sulfate mineral that forms richly colored blue crystals and crusts. It commonly occurs as vitreous to silky crystals, usually transparent to translucent, and sometimes as delicate sprays or tabular habit. The mineral is known for its intense blue hue and its propensity to dehydrate in dry air, turning into anhydrous copper sulfate, which is a key habit to consider when collecting or displaying specimens. Classic specimens display bright, saturated electric blue tones and can form slender prismatic or acicular crystals that reflect light with a glassy to silky luster.
- Formula
- CuSO4 · 5H2O
- Rarity
- Abundant
- Stability
- Moderately Stable
- Collector interest
- Very High Interest
- Classification notes
- Hydrated sulfate, chalcanthite group; Strunz 7.CB.20
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- triclinic
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Specific gravity
- 2.28
- Luster
- vitreous
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- blue, green
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- indistinct
- Fracture
- conchoidal
- Crystal habit
- prismatic, tabular, stalactitic, fibrous, granular, massive
- Classic / historic
Buy Chalcanthite specimens
View all 5Where Chalcanthite is found
Top localities
- Beihilfe Mine1 specimen
- Bisbee1 specimen
- Flambeau Mine1 specimen
- Planet Mine1 specimen
- Sulfate stope, Santa Rosa Mine1 specimen
About Chalcanthite
Notable localities include Chile, Peru, and Namibia, where chalcanthite has been found in arid or mine-driven environments, often associated with secondary oxide and sulfate minerals. Historical collections emphasize its stunning color and crystallographic forms, though its softness and solubility in water require careful handling and display conditions. Collectors appreciate chalcanthite for its vivid color contrast against darker minerals and its potential as an educational example of hydration chemistry and surface formation. When properly cared for, these specimens offer a striking reference point for hydration states and sulfate mineralogy.
