mineral

Weathered copper-bearing rock, likely chrysocolla-bearing limonite

Chrysocolla (Cu₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O) with limonite/goethite and possibly malachite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Blue-green to turquoise earthy coatings and pits occur in a brown, porous iron-oxide matrix; typically dull to waxy, amorphous, with hardness about 2–4 (chrysocolla) and specific gravity roughly 2.0–4.3. The rounded form and heavy weathering obscure the original host rock.

Identified August 28, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered copper-bearing rock, likely chrysocolla-bearing limonite
Scientific name: Chrysocolla (Cu₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O) with limonite/goethite and possibly malachite
Category: mineral
Identified: August 28, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as an ordinary rough specimen; $50–$200+ if unusually colorful, confirmed, and from a desirable locality.

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 copper-rich fluids alter silicate and iron-bearing minerals, commonly during weathering over millions of years. Exact age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Attractive material may be cut or polished for cabochons and specimens; copper-oxide ore zones are economically important for copper mining. This rough piece is mainly a collector specimen.

Geological facts

The green-blue color is characteristic of hydrated copper minerals, but visual identification cannot reliably distinguish chrysocolla from malachite, turquoise, or copper-bearing clay without testing.

Field identification & locations

Look for blue-green earthy color, porous iron staining, and association with copper oxides; a streak, hardness, acid, specific-gravity, or laboratory analysis would improve identification. Common localities include Arizona, Nevada, Chile, Peru, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.