Geology / History
Known through antiquity, Chrysocolla is a hydrated copper mineral whose name comes from the Greek chrysos, "gold"& kolla, "glue" in reference to its use to solder gold, this term was first used by the philosopher Theophrastus in 315 BCE. It is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of copper ore bodies. Commonly found intergrown with Quartz varieties, Opal & other copper minerals such as Azurite, Malachite & Cuprite.
Typically forming botryoidal mases, crusts or vein fillings with acicular or fibrous tufts of crystals & often found in a Quartz matrix. A 2006 study produced evidence leading to Chrysocolla being a microscopic mixture of a copper hydroxide mineral spertiniite, amorphous silica & water.
Pure Chrysocolla is soft & fragile, therefore gemstone jewellery of this mineral is generally Chrysocolla bound in Quartz or Opal. When found with small sparkling Quartz crystals it is known as Druzy Chrysocolla, this variety is found in Peru. The rarest form of this mineral & highest gem quality is known as Chrysocolla Chalcedony or Gem Silica, it bears a colour similar to that of Turquoise.
Known locations of the Gem quality Chrysocolla are Taiwan, Peru, Arizona & Mexico. Other varieties are found in many locations globally, the most notable deposits are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel, Peru, Indonesia, Cornwall in England. There are multiple locations in the USA such as Arizona, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Michigan & Pennsylvania.
Metaphysical Properties
A stone of dreams, creation & new opportunities. It teaches us to expose, revere & love ones true self fully & without fear.
As a powerful purifier of the heart it unblocks heart ache providing support through periods of transition allowing old energies to be released, lessons to be learned & positive growth to take hold. With a solid Earth to star anchor it cleans, energises & aligns all chakras. It guides one to the way of the soul’s path & helps to create synchronicity by opening doors to opportunities of enlightenment.
The tranquility of Chrysocolla induces deep insights making it excellent for meditation or spiritual practices. It boosts ones innate healing powers & expands the ability to summon, hold & generate light energy. Also a highly protective guardian stone connecting to ancient energy, knowledge & ancestral lineage, bringing past powers into the present.
The remover of veils & illusion can assist with otherworld communication in all realms & opening psychic vision. Its finest protective quality is its ability to remove & neutralize all negativity, therefore protecting one while journeying through all types of travel on this plane or others.
Chrysocolla enhances connectivity giving greater insight to the divine universal energy’s. It shows us the truth that we are all connected. This stone is allied with all elements making it a powerful manifestation tool, it supports us to achieve our full potential & turn dreams into reality. Helping one to absorb & understand large amounts of information quickly it facilitates rapid healthy growth. It boosts resilience, strength & the ability to keep going to achieve seemingly impossible tasks.
Crystal Healing
Aids the function of internal organs & balances hormonal fluctuations. Supports the nervous system & brain function. Great for stress, illness recovery & tissue damage. Boosts immune system & cell reproduction. Assists insomnia & muscular issues.
Mineralogy
Group: Copper mineral - Phyllosilicate
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Composition: (Cu,Al)2H2[(OH)4 Si2O5]
Form/Habit:Massive, nodular, botryoidal
Hardness: 2.5 - 3.5
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Irregular/uneven, sub-conchoidal
Lustre: Vitreous to dull
Streak: white to a blue-green colour
Specific Gravity: 1.9 - 2.4
Transparency: Translucent to opaque
R.I:nα = 1.575 - 1.585 nβ = 1.597 nγ = 1.598 - 1.635
Colour: Blue, cyan or blue-green, green
Birefringence: δ = 0.023 - 0.050
Strunz Classification: 09.ED.20
Fluorescence: None
Known through antiquity, Chrysocolla is a hydrated copper mineral whose name comes from the Greek chrysos, "gold"& kolla, "glue" in reference to its use to solder gold, this term was first used by the philosopher Theophrastus in 315 BCE. It is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of copper ore bodies. Commonly found intergrown with Quartz varieties, Opal & other copper minerals such as Azurite, Malachite & Cuprite.
Typically forming botryoidal mases, crusts or vein fillings with acicular or fibrous tufts of crystals & often found in a Quartz matrix. A 2006 study produced evidence leading to Chrysocolla being a microscopic mixture of a copper hydroxide mineral spertiniite, amorphous silica & water.
Pure Chrysocolla is soft & fragile, therefore gemstone jewellery of this mineral is generally Chrysocolla bound in Quartz or Opal. When found with small sparkling Quartz crystals it is known as Druzy Chrysocolla, this variety is found in Peru. The rarest form of this mineral & highest gem quality is known as Chrysocolla Chalcedony or Gem Silica, it bears a colour similar to that of Turquoise.
Known locations of the Gem quality Chrysocolla are Taiwan, Peru, Arizona & Mexico. Other varieties are found in many locations globally, the most notable deposits are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Israel, Peru, Indonesia, Cornwall in England. There are multiple locations in the USA such as Arizona, Utah, Idaho, New Mexico, Michigan & Pennsylvania.
Metaphysical Properties
A stone of dreams, creation & new opportunities. It teaches us to expose, revere & love ones true self fully & without fear.
As a powerful purifier of the heart it unblocks heart ache providing support through periods of transition allowing old energies to be released, lessons to be learned & positive growth to take hold. With a solid Earth to star anchor it cleans, energises & aligns all chakras. It guides one to the way of the soul’s path & helps to create synchronicity by opening doors to opportunities of enlightenment.
The tranquility of Chrysocolla induces deep insights making it excellent for meditation or spiritual practices. It boosts ones innate healing powers & expands the ability to summon, hold & generate light energy. Also a highly protective guardian stone connecting to ancient energy, knowledge & ancestral lineage, bringing past powers into the present.
The remover of veils & illusion can assist with otherworld communication in all realms & opening psychic vision. Its finest protective quality is its ability to remove & neutralize all negativity, therefore protecting one while journeying through all types of travel on this plane or others.
Chrysocolla enhances connectivity giving greater insight to the divine universal energy’s. It shows us the truth that we are all connected. This stone is allied with all elements making it a powerful manifestation tool, it supports us to achieve our full potential & turn dreams into reality. Helping one to absorb & understand large amounts of information quickly it facilitates rapid healthy growth. It boosts resilience, strength & the ability to keep going to achieve seemingly impossible tasks.
Crystal Healing
Aids the function of internal organs & balances hormonal fluctuations. Supports the nervous system & brain function. Great for stress, illness recovery & tissue damage. Boosts immune system & cell reproduction. Assists insomnia & muscular issues.
Mineralogy
Group: Copper mineral - Phyllosilicate
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Composition: (Cu,Al)2H2[(OH)4 Si2O5]
Form/Habit:Massive, nodular, botryoidal
Hardness: 2.5 - 3.5
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Irregular/uneven, sub-conchoidal
Lustre: Vitreous to dull
Streak: white to a blue-green colour
Specific Gravity: 1.9 - 2.4
Transparency: Translucent to opaque
R.I:nα = 1.575 - 1.585 nβ = 1.597 nγ = 1.598 - 1.635
Colour: Blue, cyan or blue-green, green
Birefringence: δ = 0.023 - 0.050
Strunz Classification: 09.ED.20
Fluorescence: None