mineral

Chrysocolla-rich copper ore

Chrysocolla, a hydrated copper aluminosilicate (approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O), possibly mixed with malachite or turquoise-group minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green to turquoise, earthy to dull/waxy luster, massive and noncrystalline; Mohs hardness about 2–4, with no obvious cleavage and specific gravity roughly 2.0–2.4. The irregular porous texture and color suggest a natural, unpolished copper-mineral specimen.

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Chrysocolla-rich copper ore
Scientific name: Chrysocolla, a hydrated copper aluminosilicate (approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O), possibly mixed with malachite or turquoise-group minerals
Category: mineral
Identified: August 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$50 for a common hand specimen; $75–$300+ for large, vivid, well-formed or polished 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 mineral in oxidized zones of copper deposits, where acidic groundwater alters primary copper sulfides; commonly Cenozoic or older depending on the host deposit. Associated minerals include malachite, azurite, quartz, limonite, and cuprite.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector specimen and occasional ornamental stone; attractive material may be cut or cabbed, though it is too soft and porous for durable everyday jewelry. Historically, copper ores containing chrysocolla were mined for copper recovery.

Geological facts

Chrysocolla’s vivid color comes from copper and can overlap visually with turquoise, smithsonite, or dyed minerals. It may darken or develop a waxy surface when exposed to oils, water, or handling.

Field identification & locations

Common localities include Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Australia. Field clues are turquoise-blue color, low hardness, earthy fracture, and association with other green-blue copper minerals; vinegar testing is not diagnostic.