mineral

Chrysocolla-bearing copper ore (tentative)

Chrysocolla, a hydrated copper silicate; commonly intergrown with quartz and/or other copper minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green to turquoise, earthy-to-waxy patches in a rough matrix; visible specimen appears opaque and irregular, without distinct crystal faces. Chrysocolla hardness varies roughly 2–4 Mohs, and its structure is generally poorly crystalline; exact composition and hardness cannot be confirmed from the photo.

Identified September 25, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Chrysocolla-bearing copper ore (tentative)
Scientific name: Chrysocolla, a hydrated copper silicate; commonly intergrown with quartz and/or other copper minerals
Category: mineral
Identified: September 25, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for a small, common rough specimen; higher prices require confirmed identity and attractive, usable material.

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 when copper-rich deposits weather near the surface. The Kabul-region setting is compatible with copper mineralization, but the image cannot establish the specimen’s age or locality.

Uses & applications

Attractive material may be collected or cut for cabochons; softer, porous pieces are usually unsuitable for durable jewelry. Copper ores are mined for copper, though this specimen’s grade is unknown.

Geological facts

Chrysocolla is often associated with malachite, azurite, and quartz, and its color comes from copper.

Field identification & locations

The blue-green color and rough, mixed matrix suggest copper mineralization, but several copper minerals can look similar; hardness, streak, and mineral testing would help distinguish them. The identification is tentative from the photograph alone.