Weight – 19.13 oz’s – 542.2 gm’s
Dimensions – 3.851″ x 2.623″ long/wide (9.782 x 6.663 cm’s)
Country of Origin – Epuwe, Kaokoveld, Namibia
NZD $84.00
SKU: P5277
This Chrysocolla and Shattuckite Free Form is absolutely phenomenal! From the bright vivid colors, smooth rounded shape, and luminous polish, there is absolutely nothing that will disappoint about this specimen. A white background photo has been included to help better gauge color and shape.
In stock
Weight – 19.13 oz’s – 542.2 gm’s
Dimensions – 3.851″ x 2.623″ long/wide (9.782 x 6.663 cm’s)
Country of Origin – Epuwe, Kaokoveld, Namibia
Click/Tap Buttons to Jump to Section
Chrysocolla is a copper-based mineral known for its rich blue, turquoise, teal, and green coloration. Its name is derived from the Greek chrysos (gold) and kolla (glue), referencing its historical use in ancient gold soldering processes.
Rather than forming as well-defined crystals, Chrysocolla typically occurs as massive, botryoidal, or vein-filling material within copper-rich environments. It is often found in association with other secondary copper minerals such as Malachite, Azurite, Cuprite, and Quartz.
Because Chrysocolla varies widely in composition and structure, its hardness and durability can differ significantly from specimen to specimen. Some material is soft and chalky, while higher-quality Chrysocolla may be partially silicified, resulting in improved stability and polish.
Chrysocolla has been used historically by ancient cultures for ornamentation, pigments, and symbolic objects, particularly in regions with abundant copper deposits.
Chrysocolla is a hydrated copper silicate that forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. It develops when copper-bearing solutions interact with silica-rich environments near the Earth’s surface.
Unlike crystalline minerals, Chrysocolla is typically amorphous to microcrystalline, which accounts for its variable physical properties. In many cases, Chrysocolla occurs intergrown with Quartz, forming what is sometimes referred to as “Chrysocolla in Quartz,” a more durable material.
Its color is primarily derived from copper content, producing shades ranging from soft sky blue to deep greenish-blue.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Chrysocolla |
| Chemical Formula | (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4·nH2O |
| Crystal System | Amorphous to microcrystalline |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 2 – 4 (variable) |
| Luster | Vitreous to dull |
| Transparency | Opaque to translucent |
| Typical Formation | Secondary copper mineral (oxidation zones) |
| Common Associations | Malachite, Azurite, Cuprite, Quartz |
⚠️ Handling:
Chrysocolla can be quite soft and porous. Handle gently and avoid pressure, especially on polished edges or thin sections.
🧼 Cleaning:
Avoid water soaking, salt, ultrasonic cleaners, and chemicals. Clean with a soft dry cloth only.
☀️ Light:
Generally light-stable, but prolonged intense sunlight may dull surface polish over time.
📦 Storage & Display:
Store separately from harder minerals. Cushioned storage is recommended to prevent scratches or impact damage.