How do I identify Spertiniite?

Spertiniite can be identified by its Light blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Spertiniite?

Spertiniite typically appears in Light blue, blue-green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Spertiniite

A variety of Minerals

What is Spertiniite?

Spertiniite is a rare copper hydroxide mineral. Chemically it is copper(II) hydroxide with formula Cu(OH)2. It occurs as blue to blue green tabular orthorhombic crystal aggregates in a secondary alkaline environment altering chalcosite. Associated minerals include chalcocite, atacamite, native copper, diopside, grossular and vesuvianite.

Spertiniite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Spertiniite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Spertiniite Localities Map

See where Spertiniite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Spertiniite

It was first described in 1981 for an occurrence in the Jeffrey quarry of the Johns-Manville mine, Asbestos, Estrie, Québec. It was named for mine geologist Francesco Spertini (born 1937). In addition to the type locality, it has also been reported from Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec; Ely, White Pine County, Nevada; and Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona. It has been reported from Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan; from slag at Juliushutte, Astfeld, Harz Mountains, Germany; and from Tsumeb, Namibia. A 2006 study has produced evidence the blue mineral chrysocolla may be a microscopic mixture of spertiniite, amorphous silica and water.