mineral

Botryoidal chrysocolla with possible malachite and quartz

Chrysocolla, hydrated copper aluminosilicate; commonly intergrown with malachite, Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂, and quartz, SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green to turquoise, mostly dull to waxy luster, botryoidal surfaces, and irregular fracture; chrysocolla hardness is about 2.5–3.5 Mohs, while malachite is 3.5–4 and quartz is 7. Crystalline structure is poorly developed in chrysocolla, commonly forming crusts and rounded aggregates.

Identified August 30, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Botryoidal chrysocolla with possible malachite and quartz
Scientific name: Chrysocolla, hydrated copper aluminosilicate; commonly intergrown with malachite, Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂, and quartz, SiO₂
Category: mineral
Identified: August 30, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a small ordinary specimen; $50–$200+ for large, vividly colored, well-formed or quartz-stabilized 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

A secondary copper-ore mineral formed when acidic, oxygen-rich groundwater alters primary copper sulfides near the surface, often during the Cenozoic or older weathering episodes. Typical host rocks are volcanic or sedimentary copper deposits.

Uses & applications

Used as a collectible specimen and occasionally as ornamental material; stable, high-quality chrysocolla-malachite may be cut into cabochons, though soft material is unsuitable for heavy-wear jewelry.

Geological facts

The vivid colors reflect copper chemistry, with chrysocolla contributing blue-green tones and malachite stronger green banding or patches. Some marketed “chrysocolla” is actually quartz-rich chrysocolla, which is significantly harder.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its turquoise-green botryoidal coating, association with copper minerals, and possible green streak; avoid acid or prolonged water exposure, and confirm composition with hardness and analytical testing. Common sources include Arizona, Nevada, Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Australia.