mineral

Blue-green botryoidal mineral specimen, likely chrysocolla or chrysocolla-bearing quartz

Chrysocolla (hydrated copper phyllosilicate; variable composition, commonly approximated as (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale turquoise-blue to green, botryoidal and dull-to-waxy with a granular surface; Mohs hardness about 2.5–3.5, no obvious cleavage, and typically low-to-moderate specific gravity (about 2.0–2.4). The photograph does not resolve crystal structure or confirm whether quartz or another copper mineral is present.

Identified September 15, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Blue-green botryoidal mineral specimen, likely chrysocolla or chrysocolla-bearing quartz
Scientific name: Chrysocolla (hydrated copper phyllosilicate; variable composition, commonly approximated as (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O)
Category: mineral
Identified: September 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a small common specimen; $30–$150+ for attractive polished or strongly botryoidal pieces.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms as a secondary copper-mineral deposit in oxidized zones above copper sulfide ores, commonly coating or replacing host rock. It is generally geologically young relative to its host, forming during weathering and groundwater alteration rather than a single defined age.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative lapidary material, cabochons, carvings, and mineral specimens; higher-quality material may enter jewelry, though it is relatively soft and porous.

Geological facts

Often occurs with malachite, azurite, turquoise, and quartz, producing blue-green color zoning. Color alone cannot reliably distinguish chrysocolla from turquoise or dyed material.

Field identification & locations

Common localities include Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Russia. A streak, hardness, specific-gravity test, and copper-mineral association help identify it; avoid acid or destructive testing on a small specimen.