mineral
Chrysocolla (with Malachite / Secondary Copper Minerals)
Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4·nH2O
Hardness: 2.0-4.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Sky-blue, bluish-green, to bright turquoise green; Luster: Vitreous, waxy, to dull/earthy; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (often cryptocrystalline, botryoidal, or massive); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.0-2.4
- Hardness
- 2
- Color
- Sky-blue, bluish-green, to bright turquoise green
- Luster
- Vitreous, waxy, to dull/earthy
Identified More mineral →
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Physical properties
Hardness: 2.0-4.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Sky-blue, bluish-green, to bright turquoise green; Luster: Vitreous, waxy, to dull/earthy; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic (often cryptocrystalline, botryoidal, or massive); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.0-2.4
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary copper mineral in the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits. It precipitates from percolating silica-rich groundwater reacting with primary copper sulfides like chalcopyrite or bornite.
Uses & applications
Used as an ore of copper, as a gemstone for lapidary work, cabochons, carvings, and as popular geological display specimens for collectors.
Geological facts
Chrysocolla's name comes from the Greek 'chrysos' (gold) and 'kolla' (glue), referencing its ancient use as a flux to solder gold. It often intergrows with quartz, chalcedony, malachite, or turquoise, creating vibrant multi-mineral lapidary material.
Field identification & locations
Look for distinctive bright cyan to greenish-blue staining and crusts on host rock in arid copper mining districts. Commonly found in Arizona (USA), Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Israel.
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock