Hydrated copper silicate with vivid blue-green color. Common in oxidized copper deposits, often mixed with malachite and azurite. Color: Blue-green, cyan, turquoise. Luster: Vitreous to earthy. Streak: White to pale blue. Cleavage: None. Hardness: 2-4. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Amorphous to Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: Cu,Al ₂H₂Si₂O₅ OH ₄·nH₂O. Specific gravity: 2.0-2.4. Formation: Forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits by weathering of primary copper minerals. Common geological settings: Arizona, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Peru; found in oxidized copper deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Turquoise, Malachite, Azurite.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:35.58008+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Hydrated copper silicate with vivid blue-green color. Common in oxidized copper deposits, often mixed with malachite and azurite.
How can you identify Chrysocolla?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Blue-green, cyan, turquoise; lustre: Vitreous to earthy; streak: White to pale blue; Mohs hardness: 2-4; cleavage: None; crystal system: Amorphous to Orthorhombic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Chrysocolla form?
Forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits by weathering of primary copper minerals.
Where is Chrysocolla commonly found?
Arizona, Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, Peru; found in oxidized copper deposits.
What is Chrysocolla commonly confused with?
Chrysocolla may be confused with Turquoise, Malachite, Azurite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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