Chalcanthite
💧 Don't Get Wet☠️ Don't Wear / Don't Make Elixirs🪶 Soft, Scratches Easily
CuSO₄·5H₂O
Sulfate mineral.
Properties
Scratches with a fingernail.
| Chemical formula | CuSO₄·5H₂O |
|---|---|
| Elements | Cu, S, O, H |
| Crystal system | Triclinic |
| Mohs hardness | 2.5 |
| Density | — |
| Streak | white |
| Color | — |
| IMA symbol | Cct |
| Nickel–Strunz class | 7.CB.20 |
“—” means no reliable value in Wikidata yet. Check Mindat for full data.
Care & Handling
- 💧 Don't Get Wet Copper sulfate dissolves in water, and the solution is toxic.
- ☠️ Don't Wear / Don't Make Elixirs Soluble copper sulfate, which is toxic if swallowed.
- 🪶 Soft, Scratches Easily Mohs 2.5: softer than a steel knife, so it scratches easily. Store it apart from harder stones.
This stone is in the Handle With Care collection; see the safety section below.
⚠ Handle With Care Moderate caution
Why: Natural copper sulfate (CuSO₄·5H₂O). It dissolves readily in water, even in humid air or sweat. Copper sulfate is harmful if swallowed. Many bright blue 'chalcanthite' specimens on the market are lab-grown.
Safe handling: Keep it dry in a sealed container. Never put it in water or near food. Wash your hands after touching it.
Sources: Wikipedia: Chalcanthite · ATSDR ToxFAQs: Copper · Mindat: Chalcanthite. General safety information only, not medical advice. More on safe handling.
🌍 Where it's found
Type locality (where it was first described): Chuquicamata, Chile
- Type locality
- Notable source / deposit
- Country of origin
Marker positions are approximate (region or locality level). Type localities from Wikidata; notable sources curated by Crystopedia.
Learn more
- Chalcanthite on Mindat.org
- Wikipedia article
- Wikidata item Q407861 (source of this page's data – you can correct it there)