mineral

Copper-bearing rock, likely chrysocolla–malachite–cuprite/goethite matrix

Hydrated copper silicate/carbonate minerals, chiefly chrysocolla (Cu₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O) with possible malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), iron oxides, and quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Irregular massive specimen with blue-green to turquoise coatings, brown iron-oxide matrix, and dull to earthy luster. Hardness is variable, roughly 2–4 for chrysocolla/malachite and up to 7 where quartz is present; no reliable cleavage is visible.

Identified September 13, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Copper-bearing rock, likely chrysocolla–malachite–cuprite/goethite matrix
Scientific name: Hydrated copper silicate/carbonate minerals, chiefly chrysocolla (Cu₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O) with possible malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), iron oxides, and quartz
Category: mineral
Identified: September 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$75 for a common rough specimen; $100+ if unusually vivid, large, or analytically confirmed as a valuable copper-mineral assemblage.

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 in the oxidized zone of copper deposits when groundwater alters primary copper sulfides. Such minerals are commonly geologically young relative to their host rocks; age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Collected as an attractive copper-mineral specimen; polished material may be used decoratively or as low-grade gemstone. It is not normally suitable as an ore without laboratory assay.

Geological facts

The intense blue-green color is characteristic of secondary copper minerals, but visual identification cannot distinguish chrysocolla from turquoise, malachite, or copper-bearing coatings with certainty.

Field identification & locations

The reported southern Brazil location is plausible for weathered copper-bearing material, although the exact locality cannot be confirmed. Test streak, hardness, specific gravity, acid reaction, and ideally copper-mineral analysis; avoid relying on color alone.