Chrysocolla Gem Guide and Properties Chart

Chrysocolla, derived from the Greek chrysos meaning "gold," is a copper mineral. Crystals are very rarely seen, but it is frequently intergrown with other minerals such as quartz or opal. This results in a harder, more resilient gemstone, as pure chrysocolla is soft and fragile. Its copper content is responsible for chrysocolla's range of bright green to blue hues.

General Information

Classification
Optical Properties
Characteristic Physical Properties
Chemistry & Crystallography

Common Name

Chrysocolla

Species

Chrysocolla

Transparency

Translucent - Opaque

Dispersion

Strength: None

Refractive Index

1.460-1.570

Birefringence

0.023- 0.040

Optic Character

Biaxial

Optic Sign

Negative

Polariscope Reaction

Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR)

Fluorescence

SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert

Pleochroism

Unobservable

Hardness

2-4

Streak

Green-White

Specific Gravity

2.000-2.400

Toughness

Poor

Inclusions

Chrysocolla often shows botryoidal growth structure and it often intergrown with chalcedony, malachite and turquoise.

Luster

Vitreous, Waxy

Stability

Poor

Fracture

Conchoidal

Cleavage

None

Chemical Name

hydrated copper silicate

Chemical Formula

(Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄.nH₂O

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Chemistry Classification

Silicate

Chrysocolla Colors

Blue
Green

Alternate Names

Chrysocolla Quartz, Cuprian Chalcedony, Gem Silica

Countries of Origin

United States of America (the); Unknown; Sri Lanka; China; Poland; Mexico; Madagascar; Israel; Australia; Peru; India