AUSTRALIAN CHRYSOCOLLA
Chrysocolla stuns with its vibrant blue-green hue. Frequently mistaken for turquoise, this all-natural stone is truly one of nature's gifts.
An incredible, all-natural stone, chrysocolla is available from a light sky blue to blue-green hue. Related to, and frequently mistaken for turquoise this gem receives its color from the presence of copper. A few other gemstones share this trait, including malachite, shadowkite, and azurite.
Finding specimens of pure chrysocolla is rare. Typically, this gem is included with other minerals, providing unusual matrix patterns across the surface of the stone. Opaque in appearance, cabochon shaping is most often applied as it takes a polish extremely well, displaying a vitreous luster.
• In antiquity, chrysocolla was used as a soldering agent in gold. Its name derives from the Greek words 'chrysos,' meaning gold, and 'kolla,' meaning glue.
• A recent study suggests that chrysocolla may, in fact, be a mixture of spertiniite, silica, and water.
Disclaimer: Use of any stone or mineral is not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment, and nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information provided should not be used to treat any illness, injury, medical condition, or ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health professional.
GemGPS
Location: Australia
Chrysocolla is often found in copper deposits from all over the world. Notable deposits have been located in Arizona, in the United States, and in Western Australia. Shop LC sources its supply of this gemstone from Australia
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Ranks 2.5 - 3.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
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Chrysocolla is an all-natural stone and is not treated.
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This gem is often found as a by-product of copper mining.