The online source for jewelry, gemstones, rough, minerals and more

Chrysocolla

This vibrant translucent to opaque gem is a hydrated copper silicate mixed with a quartz matrix and copper, iron, and manganese oxides. Its Color depends on the purity of the material.

Beautiful aqua blue chrysocolla, a member of the chalcedony quartz family, was first found in an Arizona copper mine in 1905. The name chrysocolla is derived from the Greek chrysos (golden) and kolla (glue); the Greeks originally gave the name chrysocolla to a material used for soldering metals.

More recently chrysocolla has also become known as gem silica.

Lore

Gentle and soothing, chrysocolla was once used as an aid in preventing digestive problems and ulcers.  Chrysocolla was said to improve arthritic conditions (today people still wear copper bracelets for the same purpose).

Chrysocolla has been used by singers and musicians as a musical charm.

Couldn’t find the information you need? There are some great reference books here.

See what others have to say about us at our eBay feedback page.