Chalcanthite (lumpy crystals, dark blue, translucent, vitreous luster, astringent)
【Name】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic
【Frequency of Use】
E
【Origin】
It is a crystal of the sulfate mineral Chalcanthite, or artificially made hydrous copper sulfate.
【Characteristics】
It is an irregular lumpy crystal, varying in size. Deep blue or light blue, translucent. Looks like glass luster. Brittle, easily broken, broken pieces are prismatic, the fracture surface is bright. Odorless, astringent taste, can cause nausea. Slowly weathers when exposed to dry air. Heating and burning it will lose the water of crystallization and turn white, and it will turn blue again when it meets water.
【Identification】
《Yi Fang Lei Ju》: “Chalcanthite, three qian, the blue one is good”. 《Yao Xing Qie Yong》: “The one that looks like copper color is genuine”, “The one that makes iron look like copper color when ground is genuine”. 《Ben Cao Qiu Zhen》: “The best one is the one that looks like azurite and duck egg color”. 《Liang Lie Jian Bie》: “The one with a conical crystal block is good”.
The best ones are those with large blocks, deep blue color, transparency, and no impurities.
【Category】
Minerals