mineral

Polished chrysocolla-bearing copper mineral specimen

Chrysocolla, Cu₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O, likely mixed with malachite and limonite/goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green, yellow-green, brown and rusty-red mottling with a glossy polished surface; typically opaque, botryoidal or massive, amorphous to microcrystalline. Chrysocolla hardness is about 2.5–3.5 Mohs; specific gravity approximately 1.9–2.3. Brown areas may be iron oxides, while green zones may include malachite.

Identified August 17, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished chrysocolla-bearing copper mineral specimen
Scientific name: Chrysocolla, Cu₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O, likely mixed with malachite and limonite/goethite
Category: mineral
Identified: August 17, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$50 for a small polished common piece; $50–$200+ for larger, vividly colored, natural or high-quality stabilized specimens.

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 above copper-ore deposits when copper-bearing fluids react with silica-rich groundwater. It is generally a secondary mineral, commonly associated with malachite, azurite, quartz, and limonite; the specimen’s exact age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a lapidary and collector material for cabochons, polished slices, and display specimens; its softness makes it unsuitable for most everyday jewelry. Not generally used as an industrial copper ore unless copper minerals are concentrated.

Geological facts

The vivid blue-green color is characteristic of hydrated copper silicate, but polished mixed material is often sold as “chrysocolla matrix.” The surface appears resin-glossy, so it may be stabilized or coated.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in copper districts such as Arizona, Chile, Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Australia. Confirm with hardness, streak, and copper-mineral associations; regional occurrence near 45.5°N, 16.4°E is possible but not especially diagnostic, so the locality cannot be inferred confidently.