Ceruleite and Schlossmacherite from Taltal, Chile – small cabinet specimen as unique piece
This colorful small cabinet specimen from the famous copper mineralization of Taltal displays vivid blue Ceruleite together with greenish areas of Schlossmacherite on a light brown matrix. The intense sky-blue coloration of the Ceruleite creates an attractive contrast with the surrounding rock and makes the specimen a striking collector's piece. Crystals are not visibly developed on this specimen. The minerals occur mainly as massive to fine-grained aggregates and coatings.
Geology & Origin
Ceruleite is a rare copper aluminium arsenate and is one of the desirable secondary minerals from oxidized copper deposits. Schlossmacherite is also an arsenic-bearing copper mineral that commonly occurs together with other secondary copper minerals. The Taltal region of northern Chile is a classic locality for rare copper arsenates and has produced many remarkable collector specimens. The vivid colors of these minerals result from the weathering of primary copper ores under arid desert conditions.
Legal Notice
This mineral contains arsenic compounds. Avoid direct skin contact, do not inhale any dust produced, and keep the material out of reach of children. Not suitable for use in water or as a healing stone. Intended for collection and display purposes only.