Shattuckite
The Bridge of Honest Speech
About the stone
Shattuckite is a copper silicate hydroxide mineral that crystallizes in the orthorhombic - dipyramidal crystal system and usually occurs in a granular massive form and also as fibrous acicular crystals. It is closely allied to plancheite in structure and appearance. It is a relatively rare copper silicate mineral. It was first discovered in 1915 in the copper mines of Bisbee, Arizona, specifically the Shattuck Mine (hence the name). It is a secondary mineral that forms from the alteration of other secondary minerals. At the Shattuck Mine, it forms pseudomorphs after malachite. A pseudomorph is an atom by atom replacement of a crystal structure by another crystal structure, but with little alteration of the outward shape of the original crystal. It is sometimes used as a gemstone. It is also found with quartz, and in association to chrysocolla, turquoise & ajoite. Shattuckite can be found throughout the American southwest, Germany, Greece, Namibia, South Africa, Great Britain, and Argentina.
Mineral data
- Chemical composition: Shattuckite is a rare copper silicate hydroxide mineral with the formula Cu5(SiO3)4(OH)2, which often forms in place of malachite.
- Hardness: About 3.5 on the Mohs scale.
- Color: Deep to medium blue, from azure to dark blue, often with a fibrous or silky look.
Metaphysical data
Shattuckite, a rare deep blue copper mineral, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to link the heart, throat and mind, and to support honest speech and psychic insight.
Stabilizing Communication Energy
- Shattuckite is believed to create a bridge between the heart, the throat and the mind, allowing a person to speak their highest truths.
- It is thought to bring a steady, composed energy to anyone who must speak publicly or hold difficult conversations, and to be a comfort in times of communication troubles.
Emotional Healing
- Shattuckite helps relationships by aiding in speaking from the heart, and by supporting a person who wishes to take responsibility for past actions.
- It is said to soften defensiveness, making honest apologies and gentle conversations easier to begin and to hear.
Harmonizing Energy Centers
- Shattuckite is associated with the heart, throat and third eye chakras, which it is thought to link into one flowing pathway of feeling, voice and insight.
- By connecting these centers, it is believed to help intuitive impressions find clear words rather than staying unspoken.
Zodiac Associations
- Shattuckite is traditionally associated with Sagittarius and Aquarius, signs known for honesty, big ideas and a love of free expression.
- It vibrates to the numbers 2 and 11, linked with partnership, intuition and spiritual insight, and 11 is often seen as a master number.
Spiritual Growth
- Shattuckite is considered a stone of mediumship, psychic abilities and intuition, and it is used by those wishing to develop their inner senses.
- It is also said to help people combat Mercury retrograde, a time of misunderstanding that many astrology fans work with by using this stone.
Physical Healing
- Crystals are a traditional wellness practice and not a substitute for professional medical advice; this stone must never be ingested, and care is needed for any throat or lung concern.
- In crystal tradition it is considered a general wellness stone, said to aid the heart, lungs, throat and mouth, and used by singers, teachers and speakers.
Care and handling
Shattuckite is a copper silicate and should be treated as potentially toxic. Wash your hands after handling it, do not grind, sand or powder it, and avoid breathing any dust. Never use it to make elixirs or gem water, never put it in water or in the mouth, and keep it away from children and pets. It is fairly soft, about 3.5, and can be brittle, so clean it only with a dry cloth, and avoid acids and heat.
Individual experiences with Shattuckite vary, and its qualities are traditional beliefs rather than proven facts. Use it mindfully as a display and meditation stone for honest communication, and always handle it with care and cleanliness.