Post by bluefedish on Apr 17, 2008 8:39:16 GMT -5
One of only a few water soluble sulfate minerals. This fact drives much of what is interesting about this mineral. It forms in the near-surface secondary oxidation zone of copper deposits usually late in the development of these deposits. Since it’s so soluble, it may crystallize, dissolve and re-crystallize again and again before the deposit is discovered.
Physical Characteristics:
* Color is a bright and deep blue
* Luster is vitreous
* Crystals are transparent to translucent
* Crystal habits include rare, individual, natural crystals showing well formed slanted prismatic, tabular or lens-shaped forms, more commonly aggregated into columnar, curved, parallel growth structures. Also found as encrusting, stalactites and granular masses and as vein filling deposits.
* Hardness is 2.5
* Streak is pale blue to colorless
* Is very soluble in water. A fact that is a detriment to most collection specimens as they may absorb water from the air and deteriorate over time. The taste has a sweet metallic character, but don’t do this test often or with more than just a tip of the tongue technique and only if needed to confirm an identification as chalcanthite is poisonous!
* Associated Minerals are Brochantite, Calcite, Melanterite, Aragonite, Malachite, and Chalcopyrite
Magickal Properties:
* Eliminates feeling of abandonment and restraint.
* Brings smooth flow of communication.
* Helps one with choices.
* Helps with arthritis, cleanses the arteries, treats disorders of the reproductive system.
Selected Sources:
www.galleries.com/minerals/sulfates/chalcant/chalcant.htm
search.ebay.com/chalcanthite
Physical Characteristics:
* Color is a bright and deep blue
* Luster is vitreous
* Crystals are transparent to translucent
* Crystal habits include rare, individual, natural crystals showing well formed slanted prismatic, tabular or lens-shaped forms, more commonly aggregated into columnar, curved, parallel growth structures. Also found as encrusting, stalactites and granular masses and as vein filling deposits.
* Hardness is 2.5
* Streak is pale blue to colorless
* Is very soluble in water. A fact that is a detriment to most collection specimens as they may absorb water from the air and deteriorate over time. The taste has a sweet metallic character, but don’t do this test often or with more than just a tip of the tongue technique and only if needed to confirm an identification as chalcanthite is poisonous!
* Associated Minerals are Brochantite, Calcite, Melanterite, Aragonite, Malachite, and Chalcopyrite
Magickal Properties:
* Eliminates feeling of abandonment and restraint.
* Brings smooth flow of communication.
* Helps one with choices.
* Helps with arthritis, cleanses the arteries, treats disorders of the reproductive system.
Selected Sources:
www.galleries.com/minerals/sulfates/chalcant/chalcant.htm
search.ebay.com/chalcanthite
