mineral

Chrysocolla-bearing copper ore

Chrysocolla, hydrated copper phyllosilicate: approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O; possibly mixed with malachite/black copper oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Turquoise-to-teal blue-green, earthy to dull/vitreous luster, massive and botryoidal rather than well crystallized; Mohs hardness about 2–4, with poor cleavage and specific gravity roughly 1.9–2.4. The rough, porous texture and color suggest a natural copper-mineral aggregate.

Identified August 28, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Chrysocolla-bearing copper ore
Scientific name: Chrysocolla, hydrated copper phyllosilicate: approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O; possibly mixed with malachite/black copper oxides
Category: mineral
Identified: August 28, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$50 for a common rough specimen of this size; $50–$200+ if unusually vivid, patterned, locality-labeled, or lapidary grade.

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 in the oxidized zone of copper deposits when copper-rich fluids alter silicate rocks, typically during weathering over millions of years; it is generally younger than the primary ore body. Common in arid regions of the southwestern United States, Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Australia.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative lapidary material, cabochons, carvings, and mineral specimens; occasionally a minor copper ore. It is too soft and porous for most durable jewelry unless stabilized or sealed.

Geological facts

Often occurs with malachite, azurite, quartz, limonite, and cuprite, producing attractive mottled blue-green patterns. Chrysocolla is not a single uniform mineral composition because water content and substitution vary substantially.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its vivid blue-green color, low hardness, earthy texture, and lack of strong crystal faces; it may scratch easily with a steel nail and should not be exposed to acids or prolonged soaking. Exact identification would require testing, since dyed or treated turquoise and other copper minerals can look similar.