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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Shilovite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this shilovite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch shilovite with a known reference. Shilovite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shilovite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shilovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: deep violet-blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

mineral

Eriochalcite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Shilovite leaves pale blue, Eriochalcite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Shilovite leaves pale blue, Chalcanthite leaves white.

Compare →

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: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Imperfect, Thick Tabular to Equant Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits

Where rockhounds find shilovite

Classic worldwide localities

Pabellón de Pica Mountain, Tarapacá Region, Chile

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits country, the host setting where shilovite typically forms. If you start seeing sylvite, halite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a imperfect, thick tabular to equant crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shilovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include deep violet-blue.

Where is shilovite found?+

Notable localities include Pabellón de Pica Mountain, Tarapacá Region, Chile.

Is shilovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shilovite?+

Shilovite is most often confused with Eriochalcite, Chalcanthite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with shilovite?+

Shilovite commonly co-occurs with Sylvite, Halite, Tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shilovite form in?+

Shilovite typically forms in fumarole deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is shilovite used for?+

Shilovite is used in collector.

Find shilovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.