mineral

Chrysocolla-bearing rock

Chrysocolla, hydrated copper aluminosilicate (approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O), likely with quartz or copper oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green to turquoise, commonly botryoidal or earthy, with vitreous to dull luster; Mohs hardness about 2.5–3.5, no prominent cleavage, and variable composition. The specimen appears as a small rough turquoise-green mineral aggregate with pale matrix.

Identified September 22, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Chrysocolla-bearing rock
Scientific name: Chrysocolla, hydrated copper aluminosilicate (approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O), likely with quartz or copper oxides
Category: mineral
Identified: September 22, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a small rough specimen; $20–$100+ for attractive, well-crystallized or lapidary-grade 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 in the oxidized zones of copper deposits, commonly replacing or coating earlier sulfides; typically Cenozoic to older, depending on the host deposit. Common localities include Arizona, Nevada, Chile, Peru, Mexico, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Australia.

Uses & applications

Used as an ornamental and lapidary material, in cabochons and carvings, and collected as a copper-mineral specimen; too soft and variable for most industrial construction use.

Geological facts

Chrysocolla is often confused with turquoise, but is generally softer and more porous. Its color comes mainly from hydrated copper ions.

Field identification & locations

Identify by vivid blue-green color, low hardness, porous texture, and association with malachite, azurite, limonite, or quartz; a copper-streak test or laboratory analysis is more reliable than appearance alone.