metamorphic

Copper-bearing altered rock, likely chrysocolla-bearing quartzite or breccia

Quartz (SiO₂) with copper silicate minerals, chiefly chrysocolla [approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O], and iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness is approximately 2–7 depending on mineral zones; the specimen is reddish-brown, gray, and green with earthy to subvitreous luster. Green copper-mineral veining occurs in a fine-grained, fractured matrix; crystals and cleavage are not obvious.

Identified August 30, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Copper-bearing altered rock, likely chrysocolla-bearing quartzite or breccia
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with copper silicate minerals, chiefly chrysocolla [approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O], and iron oxides
Category: metamorphic
Identified: August 30, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $3–$20 for a common rough fragment; $25–$100+ if copper colors, polishability, or locality are especially attractive.

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

Likely formed when copper-rich hydrothermal fluids altered and mineralized silica-rich host rock, with later oxidation producing green chrysocolla and red-brown iron oxides. The exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector specimen or lapidary material; attractive pieces may be polished for display, but this small irregular sample has little industrial value.

Geological facts

The green vein is more consistent with an oxidized copper mineral than with ordinary green coloration from silicate rock. Blue-green chrysocolla may occur alongside malachite, turquoise-like minerals, quartz, and limonite.

Field identification & locations

Look for green-to-blue copper staining, reddish iron-oxide matrix, and quartz-like hardness; a streak, hardness test, and copper-mineral testing would refine identification. Common settings include oxidized zones of copper deposits worldwide, especially the American Southwest, Chile, Peru, and Australia.