Connellite | Wheal Edward, St Just, Cornwall | No. 2

A striking natural Connellite-labelled mineral specimen from the historic Wheal Edward mining locality near St Just, Cornwall, featuring beautiful turquoise-blue and sea-green copper mineralisation across a richly weathered, iron-stained matrix.

Weighing 205g, this distinctive Cornish specimen combines vivid mineral colour, complex surface textures and fascinating geological character with the heritage of one of Cornwall's historic coastal mining districts.

This attractive mineral specimen displays extensive areas of vivid turquoise-blue, soft sea-green and pale mint-coloured mineralisation distributed across an irregular natural matrix.

The most prominent face features contrasting patches of bright blue-green material, creamy pale-green mineral surfaces and dark brown to almost black areas of weathered rock.

Fine fractures run through several of the lighter mineral patches, creating a naturally intricate network of lines and boundaries between the different colours.

Along the upper surface, darker grey-brown rock and rusty-orange iron staining contrast beautifully with the brighter copper-bearing mineralisation beneath.

Viewed from the side, the specimen reveals additional blue-green deposits following irregular seams, cavities and exposed surfaces within the host rock.

The close-up photograph highlights the remarkable variety of textures, including smooth-looking mineral coatings, finely layered areas, fractured surfaces and darker mineral-rich patches.

Its naturally irregular form, vivid colouring and substantial matrix make this a particularly interesting example of Cornish secondary copper mineralisation.

About Connellite

Connellite is a relatively uncommon secondary copper mineral belonging to the sulphate mineral group. Its complex chemical composition includes copper, sulphate, chloride and hydroxide.

It is particularly recognised for its striking blue to blue-green colouring and may develop as extremely fine acicular (needle-like) crystals, radiating aggregates or delicate crusts.

Connellite forms within the oxidised zones of copper-bearing mineral deposits, where chemical reactions involving copper minerals and circulating fluids create new secondary mineral species.

It is frequently associated with other secondary copper minerals, including brochantite, atacamite and various copper carbonates, although these additional minerals have not been confirmed in this particular specimen.

Because Connellite can occur as exceptionally fine crystal growth, specimens may appear powdery or finely textured to the naked eye, with their more intricate structures becoming apparent under magnification.

Geological Information

• Mineral: Connellite
• Mineral Group: Sulphates
• Chemical Formula: Cu19Cl4(SO4)(OH)32·3H2O
• Crystal System: Hexagonal
• Mohs Hardness: Approximately 3
• Colour: Blue to blue-green
• Typical Crystal Habit: Acicular crystals, radiating aggregates and crusts
• Formation: Secondary copper mineralisation within oxidised copper deposits

Mine History & Cornish Heritage

Wheal Edward is a historic mine within the Botallack and St Just mining district of West Cornwall, an area internationally recognised for its rich copper and tin mining heritage.

The St Just mining district developed around extensive mineral-bearing veins associated with Cornwall's granite and surrounding geological formations. Copper and tin extraction shaped the region's economy, landscape and communities for generations.

Wheal Edward forms part of the historic Botallack mining landscape, where mining activity extended into the coastal cliffs and, in some workings, beneath the Atlantic Ocean.

The district is particularly famous for its dramatic engine houses, historic mine shafts and complex underground workings, many of which reflect the extraordinary engineering achievements of Cornwall's mining industry.

Minerals such as Connellite are associated with the weathering and oxidation of copper-bearing deposits. These secondary minerals provide evidence of the chemical processes that continued to alter mineralised rock after its original formation.

Today, the wider St Just and Botallack landscape forms part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its outstanding industrial and cultural significance.

This specimen is recorded as originating from Wheal Edward, St Just, Cornwall. Its precise collection date and original position within the mine workings are not documented.

Intention & Associated Chakras

Within traditional crystal practices, Connellite is associated with communication, emotional expression and spiritual awareness.

Its vivid blue colouring is symbolically connected with the Throat Chakra, representing clear communication and the confidence to express thoughts and feelings.

It is also sometimes associated with the Third Eye Chakra, reflecting themes of intuition, insight and inner understanding.

Intentions: Calm, spiritual growth and clear communication.

Associated Chakras: Throat Chakra and Third Eye Chakra.

These associations are based on traditional spiritual beliefs rather than scientifically established effects.

Specimen Details

• Mineral: Connellite
• Mine: Wheal Edward
• Locality: St Just, Cornwall, England
• Weight: 235g
• Measurements: Approximately 57.8mm x 85.9mm
• Colour: Turquoise-blue, blue-green, brown and ochre
• Formation: Natural raw mineral specimen
• Condition: Natural irregular edges, textured mineralisation and weathered matrix
• Price: £51.00

Care Information: Connellite is a delicate copper-bearing mineral. Avoid prolonged contact with water, cleaning chemicals, polishing or abrasive handling. Keep away from children and pets, avoid inhaling mineral dust and wash hands after handling.

You will receive the exact specimen photographed. Decorative accessories are not included.