Arizona Chrysocolla

Description

There are several copper mines in Arizona.  Chrysocolla is a common copper mineral found in these mines.  Although chrysocolla has a beautiful blue-green color similar to turquoise it can be quite soft and brittle in its purest form.

When chrysocolla is found in a highly silicified form, it is hard enough to be used in jewelry having a hardness that is similar to that of quartz or agate.  This highly silicified form of chrysocolla is known as gem silica.  Gem silica is highly prised as a gemstone material due to its hardness, color, and translucence.

Chrysocolla is often found with other copper minerals such as azurite, malachite, and cuprite.

Arizona Chrysocolla

Arizona Chrysocolla

Arizona Chrysocolla

Arizona Chrysocolla