Origin: DR Congo, Mexico, U.S.A.
Mineral Species: Plancheite
Mineral Group: Silicates
Chemical Formula: Cu8(Si8O22)(OH)4.H2O
Hardness: 6
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Colour: Pale blue, greenish blue
Typical Appearance: Fibrous, massive.
Birthstone: Secondary birthstone for Leo
Chakra Alignment: Upper Heart and Throat
Element: Water
Origin of Name & Mythology: Named by A. Lacroix in 1908 in honour of François Gilbert Planche, an industrialist and a politician. He was director of the French Congo Mining Company, which opened copper mines in the area. He supplied the first samples of this mineral for study.
Plancheite begins by centring and grounding (unlike its close cousin shattuckite). This can be remarkably calming, and leaves the user more physically present. It is strongly connected with the Upper Heart Chakra and its alignment with the immune and lymphatic systems, so can be helpful in preventing and treating infection. Plancheite also works to clear issues from the Throat Chakra, but in this case, it may prove too strong or uncomfortable for some people.
