mineral

Chrysocolla

Cu2-xAlx(H2O)n(H2Si2O5)5 · nH2O (Hydrated copper aluminum silicate)

Hardness: 2.5 to 3.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Vibrant shades of blue, green, and turquoise, often with brown or black matrix inclusions. Luster: Vitreous to dull, earthy. Crystal structure: Orthorhombic (though rarely found as distinct crystals; usually massive, botryoidal, or crusting). Cleavage: None.…

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous to dull, earthy

Identified July 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in the oxidized zones of copper ore bodies, typically as a secondary mineral resulting from the alteration of copper-bearing minerals. Found in arid and semi-arid environments.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone, for ornamental carvings, in jewelry making, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Chrysocolla gets its vivid blue-green color directly from its high copper content. The name comes from the Greek words 'chrysos' (gold) and 'kolla' (glue), referencing its historical use in soldering gold.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinct vibrant cyan-blue color, lower hardness, and association with other copper minerals like malachite and azurite. Commonly sourced from the southwestern United States, Chile, Peru, and Russia.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

sedimentary

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

mineral

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Schist

Metamorphic