mineral

Green copper mineral specimen, likely chrysocolla or turquoise

Chrysocolla: hydrated copper aluminosilicate, approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O; possibly turquoise: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green, opaque, earthy to waxy luster, irregular fracture, and generally hardness 2–4 for chrysocolla or 5–6 for turquoise; the rough, porous appearance favors chrysocolla or a chrysocolla-bearing rock.

Identified August 18, 2026More mineral →

Explore Green copper mineral specimen, likely chrysocolla or turquoise in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Green copper mineral specimen, likely chrysocolla or turquoise
Scientific name: Chrysocolla: hydrated copper aluminosilicate, approximately (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O; possibly turquoise: CuAl₆(PO₄)₄(OH)₈·4H₂O
Category: mineral
Identified: August 18, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a small rough common specimen; attractive polished or turquoise-grade material may sell for $20–$200+.

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 oxidized zones of copper deposits through groundwater alteration, commonly during weathering over geologically long periods; precise age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a copper-associated mineral, ornamental stone, pigment, and lapidary material; harder turquoise is used in jewelry, while soft chrysocolla is often stabilized or polished.

Geological facts

Chrysocolla commonly occurs with malachite, azurite, quartz, and limonite, producing mottled green-blue specimens.

Field identification & locations

Look for vivid blue-green color, botryoidal or earthy texture, and association with copper minerals; turquoise is harder and more compact, while chrysocolla may scratch easily with a steel knife. Common localities include Arizona, Nevada, Chile, Peru, Mexico, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.