Shilovite is a rare copper nitrate that forms deep violet-blue imperfect, thick tabular to equant crystals. It occurs in a guano deposit developed on chalcopyrite-bearing gabbro in a desert climate. Associated minerals include halite, ammineite and atacamite. It was first described from Pabellón de Pica Mountain, near Chanabaya, Iquique Province, Tarapacá Region, Chile.
Is this shilovite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch shilovite with a known reference. Shilovite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: violet-blue (changes to light blue with decomposition).
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: deep violet-blue.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: imperfect, thick tabular to equant crystals.
Often confused with
Shilovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Shilovite leaves violet-blue (changes to light blue with decomposition), Eriochalcite leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Shilovite leaves violet-blue (changes to light blue with decomposition), Chalcanthite leaves white.
Often found alongside shilovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with shilovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu(NH₃)₄(NO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.92 g/cm³
- Colors
- Deep violet-blue
- Streak
- Violet-blue (changes to light blue with decomposition)
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Imperfect, thick tabular to equant crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a guano deposit developed on chalcopyrite-bearing gabbro in a desert climate
Where rockhounds find shilovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Pabellón de Pica Mountain, near Chanabaya, Iquique Province, Tarapacá Region, Chile
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a guano deposit developed on chalcopyrite-bearing gabbro in a desert climate. If you start seeing halite, ammineite, atacamite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: imperfect, thick tabular to equant crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify shilovite?+
Where is shilovite found?+
Is shilovite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like shilovite?+
What minerals are found with shilovite?+
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Find shilovite on the map
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