mineral

Chrysocolla-bearing copper ore

Chrysocolla (hydrated copper phyllosilicate; commonly approximated Cu₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O), with possible malachite/limonite matrix

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green to turquoise, earthy-to-waxy luster, usually massive rather than crystalline; Mohs hardness about 2.5–4, uneven fracture, and moderate-to-low specific gravity (~2.0–2.4). The brown, cream, and dark areas likely represent iron oxides, silica, and copper-oxide minerals around a small vug.

Identified August 24, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Chrysocolla-bearing copper ore
Scientific name: Chrysocolla (hydrated copper phyllosilicate; commonly approximated Cu₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O), with possible malachite/limonite matrix
Category: mineral
Identified: August 24, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common hand specimen; $40–$150+ for vividly colored, polished, or locality-labeled 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 in the oxidized zone above copper sulfide deposits when groundwater alters copper minerals; typically Cenozoic to older, deposit-dependent. Commonly occurs with malachite, azurite, cuprite, quartz, and limonite.

Uses & applications

Used as an ornamental stone, cabochon material, pigment, and copper ore when sufficiently concentrated; porous specimens are mainly collected for display.

Geological facts

Its color comes from hydrated copper-bearing compounds, but chrysocolla is often a mixture or intergrowth rather than a pure mineral mass. It can resemble turquoise or dyed stone but is generally softer and more porous.

Field identification & locations

Likely chrysocolla-rich copper ore based on the blue-green, botryoidal-looking surface and iron-stained cavities; confirm with a streak, hardness, and ideally copper-mineral testing. Typical localities include Arizona, Nevada, Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Australia.