The facts
What chrysocolla actually is
Mineralogically, chrysocolla is copper silicate — (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O, crystallising in the orthorhombic / amorphous system.
The colour is caused by copper. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.46–1.57, and the specific gravity sits near 1.9–2.4; cleavage is none.
Where chrysocolla comes from
The recognised sources are Arizona, USA, Peru, DR Congo and Israel (Eilat stone).
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How chrysocolla is treated
Stabilised and impregnated routinely because it is soft and porous.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What chrysocolla is confused with
The usual confusions are Turquoise, Larimar and Gem silica.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.46–1.57 and specific gravity 1.9–2.4 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What chrysocolla is used for
Chrysocolla is bought by jewellery, decorative objects and architecture and interiors — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the piece or by the square metre.
Durability and care
Hardness 2–4 (7 when silicified); cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What chrysocolla costs
Indicative pricing for chrysocolla is $2–80/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is chrysocolla treated, and how?
Stabilised and impregnated routinely because it is soft and porous.
Where does chrysocolla come from?
Arizona, USA, Peru, DR Congo and Israel (Eilat stone). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is chrysocolla hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 2–4 (7 when silicified) on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does chrysocolla cost?
Indicatively $2–80/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is chrysocolla confused with?
Most often Turquoise, Larimar and Gem silica. A refractive index of 1.46–1.57 and a specific gravity near 1.9–2.4 separate it quickly.
What is chrysocolla used for besides jewellery?
decorative objects and architecture and interiors. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for chrysocolla?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about chrysocolla