Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla is a hydrated copper silicate mineral with beautiful blue, blue-green and turquoise-like colours. It forms where copper deposits are weathered near the surface, and it is often found mixed with other copper minerals such as malachite, azurite, cuprite and turquoise. Pure chrysocolla is soft, light and often porous, with a dull to vitreous lustre.

The name comes from the Greek "chrysos" (gold) and "kolla" (glue), as a similar-looking material was used in ancient times to solder gold. The term was first used by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus in 315 BC.

Because pure chrysocolla is soft, most material used for jewellery is chrysocolla mixed with or hardened by quartz or chalcedony. Gem silica, also called chrysocolla chalcedony, is translucent chalcedony coloured vivid blue by chrysocolla; it is much harder (about 7 on the Mohs scale) and is one of the most valuable forms of chalcedony. Mixtures of chrysocolla with malachite, azurite and turquoise are sold as beads in their own right, and Eilat stone from Israel is a natural mix of copper minerals including chrysocolla.

Important sources include the USA (Arizona), Peru, Chile, Mexico, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Israel and Russia. Softer chrysocolla is often stabilised with resin, and some is dyed. Imitations include dyed howlite, dyed magnesite and dyed chalcedony.

Chrysocolla at a glance

Caring for chrysocolla

Pure chrysocolla is soft (2 – 4 on the Mohs scale) and porous, so it scratches easily and can absorb liquids. Chrysocolla in quartz or chalcedony is harder but still needs care. Clean it gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid soaking, ultrasonic and steam cleaners, heat and chemicals, including perfume and cosmetics. Store it separately in a soft pouch.

In folklore

The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.

Chrysocolla was used in ancient times as a pigment and in soldering gold. Legend says that Cleopatra carried chrysocolla with her everywhere, and it has long been known as the "wise woman's stone" or "stone of the goddess". Native American peoples are said to have used it to calm the mind and strengthen the body. Chrysocolla is associated with the zodiac signs Taurus, Gemini and Virgo.

Chrysocolla is traditionally regarded as a stone of communication, calm and empowerment, especially for women. Crystal healing lore holds that it soothes the emotions, eases stress and encourages honest and compassionate expression. It is also said to inspire creativity and patience. It is linked to the throat and heart chakras.

Related stones

Gem silica (chrysocolla chalcedony), malachite, azurite, turquoise, cuprite, Eilat stone and shattuckite. Stones that can look similar include turquoise, amazonite, larimar, variscite and dyed howlite or magnesite.

For the technically minded

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