Chrysocolla has a cyan color and forms in the oxidation zones of copper ore bodies. Associated minerals are quartz, limonite, azurite, malachite, cuprite, and other secondary copper minerals. It is typically found as botryoidal or rounded masses and crusts, or vein fillings. Because of its light color, it is sometimes confused with turquoise.

HISTORY

The name comes from the ancient Greek χρυσός (chrysos) and κολλα (kolla), "gold" and "glue", in allusion to the name of the material used to solder gold, and was first used by Theophrastus in 315 BC.

COMPOSITION

Chrysocolla is a hydrated copper phyllosilicate mineral with formula: Cu2−xAlx(H2−xSi2O5)(OH)4·nH2O (x<1) or (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4·nH2O. The structure of the mineral has been questioned, as spectrographic studies suggest material identified as chrysocolla may be a mixture of the copper hydroxide spertiniite and chalcedony.

HARDNESS

Mohs Scale Hardness: 2.5 - 3.5 or 7 for chrysocolla chalcedony which has a high silica content

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Chrysocolla re-oxygenates the blood, lowers blood pressure, and treats blood disorders. It detoxifies the liver, kidneys and intestines, regenerates the pancreas and regulates insulin. It treats arthritis, bone disease, osteoporosis, and lung problems. Chrysocolla heals infections, treats lung problems, and soothes burns. It strengthens muscles and alleviates muscle spasms, treats PMS and menstrual cramps.

Chrysocolla is a copper stone, ranging from light green to deep blue, and is often found in association with Malachite and Azurite. Some chrysocolla contains Cuprite. It is favored as a stone of prosperity and business astuteness, reacting upon the analytical and intuitive abilities. Like a balance scale, it can stimulate the mind and relax emotions at the same time. [Mella, 80]

This stone’s calming effect helps with nervous disorders, such as anxiety and depression, feelings of guilt, and hyperkinetic movement. It is also a beneficial stone for women by reducing menstrual pain, and is conducive to happy pregnancies by relieving the anxieties of first-time mothers. [Megemont, 54]

Chrysocolla assists in the regulation of the thyroid and adrenals. It is excellent for sore throats, laryngitis and for support of the larynx in general. [Ahsian, 115] It is also beneficial for high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, diabetes – particularly Type 2, blood disorders, and problems of the lungs. [Eason, 231]

Chrysocolla aids digestion, and treats problems associated with hip joints and hip replacement, arthritis, and rheumatism. [Eason, 231] It strengthens muscles and alleviates muscle cramps [Hall, 112], and helps with infections, fever, burns and scars. [Gienger, 27]