$355Median
16Sold (12 mo)
$110Last sale
Plancheite specimens for sale
13 for sale · $120–$5,000 USD
86 in the gallery
Plancheite is a copper silicate mineral that forms as secondary aggregates in oxidized copper deposits. It typically displays a blue to greenish blue hue and a silky to sub-vitreous luster, often occurring as botryoidal or tabular crusts and as delicate, radiating rosettes. Crystals, when present, are usually short and prism-like, contributing to a visually striking, glassy surface texture. Specimens from notable localities showcase the mineral’s characteristic color and distinctive habit, making it a favorite for display pieces and cabinet specimens.
- Formula
- Cu8(Si8O22)(OH)4 · H2O
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Inosilicate, shattuckite group
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5–6
- Specific gravity
- 3.6–3.8
- Luster
- vitreous, silky, dull
- Transparency
- translucent, opaque
- Color
- blue, green
- Streak
- blue
- Cleavage
- perfect
- Fracture
- splintery, uneven
- Crystal habit
- acicular, fibrous, radiating, botryoidal, massive
Buy Plancheite specimens
View all 13Where Plancheite is found
Top localities
- Milpillas Mine8 specimens
- Mindouli6 specimens
- Kaokoveld Plateau4 specimens
- Tantara Mine4 specimens
- Kolwezi4 specimens
- Shinkolobwe3 specimens
- Juanito Mine2 specimens
- Mashamba West Mine2 specimens
- Mufulira Mine2 specimens
- Omaue Mine2 specimens
About Plancheite
Collectors seek Plancheite for its vivid color range, its association with copper sulfide assemblages, and the variety of crystalline forms observed in high-quality samples. Notable sources such as DR Congo, Republic of the Congo, Namibia, Mexico, and Spain have yielded specimens that highlight Plancheite’s attractive blue-green tones and contrasting matrix. While often found in compact masses, when well-formed crystals are present they provide appealing facets and coverage that enhance display value. The mineral’s relative rarity and its distinctive appearance contribute to its desirability among collectors focusing on copper-oxide silicates and secondary supergene minerals.
