mineral
Polished chrysocolla cabochon
Chrysocolla, a hydrated copper phyllosilicate; commonly intergrown with quartz, malachite, or other copper minerals
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectBlue-green with dark matrix and a polished vitreous-to-waxy luster. Chrysocolla is typically amorphous, has variable hardness (about 2–4 Mohs; harder when quartz-rich), and no prominent cleavage; the exact composition and properties cannot be confirmed from the image alone.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Polished chrysocolla cabochon in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Blue-green with dark matrix and a polished vitreous-to-waxy luster. Chrysocolla is typically amorphous, has variable hardness (about 2–4 Mohs; harder when quartz-rich), and no prominent cleavage; the exact composition and properties cannot be confirmed from the image alone.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary copper mineral in oxidized zones of copper deposits, often alongside quartz and malachite. It occurs in deposits of many ages; the specimen’s age and locality are unknown.
Uses & applications
Polished cabochons are used in jewelry and collections; copper-bearing ores are also mined for copper, though chrysocolla itself is generally not a major industrial ore.
Geological facts
The vivid blue-green color comes from copper. Quartz-rich material sold as “gem silica” is a harder, more durable variety of chrysocolla.
Field identification & locations
The hand-sized, polished blue-green stone with mottled dark matrix is consistent with chrysocolla. Check hardness and disclose treatments or composite construction before identifying or valuing it; common localities include Arizona, Peru, Chile, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
