Plancheite
A variety of Minerals
What is Plancheite?
Plancheite is a hydrated copper silicate mineral with the formula Cu8Si8O22(OH)4•(H2O). It is closely related to shattuckite in structure and appearance, and the two minerals are often confused.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Plancheite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Plancheite Localities Map
See where Plancheite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Plancheite
Usually a pale turquoise-blue, with a pale blue streak and an adamantine to silky luster. It is quite hard, with hardness 5.5 to 6, close to that of feldspar, and specific gravity 3.6 to 3.8. Optically it is biaxial (+), with refractive indices between 1.64 and 1.74, and pleochroic.
Composition of Plancheite
Plancheite is a chain silicate (inosilicate), with double chains of silica tetrahedra parallel to the c crystal axis. It occurs as sprays of acicular or fibrous radial clusters, with fibers extended parallel to the chains, i.e. along the c crystal axis; it can also form tiny tabular or platy crystals. It is a member of the orthorhombic crystal class m m m (2/m 2/m 2/m), which is the most symmetrical class in the orthorhombic system.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Blue, greenish blue
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6
- Density
- 3.85 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu8(Si8O22)(OH)4 · H2O
- Elements
- Cu, H, O, Si
Also Known As
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Plancheite FAQs
How do I identify Plancheite?
Plancheite can be identified by its hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, Blue color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Plancheite?
Plancheite typically appears in Blue, greenish blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Plancheite?
Plancheite has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the characteristics of plancheite of Plancheite?
Usually a pale turquoise-blue, with a pale blue streak and an adamantine to silky luster. It is quite hard, with hardness 5.5 to 6, close to that of feldspar, and specific gravity 3.6 to 3.8. Optically it is biaxial (+), with refractive indices between 1.64 and 1.74, and pleochroic.
What is the composition of plancheite of Plancheite?
Plancheite is a chain silicate (inosilicate), with double chains of silica tetrahedra parallel to the c crystal axis. It occurs as sprays of acicular or fibrous radial clusters, with fibers extended parallel to the chains, i.e. along the c crystal axis; it can also form tiny tabular or platy crystals. It is a member of the orthorhombic crystal class m m m (2/m 2/m 2/m), which is the most symmetrical class in the orthorhombic system.
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