WHAT IS SIERRA MADRE CHRYSOCOLLA?

Have you ever seen such a unique arrangement in a stone? Vibrant spots of blue seem to flow over reddish-brown and black rock. Occasionally, you spot a speck of bright green peeking from the matrix. In your hands, you are holding Sierra Madre Chrysocolla! A type of chrysocolla material that comes from Mexico, there is no other blend of material quite like it.

 
 
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Chrysocolla is an old stone, known by the Greeks of antiquity as "gold glue." The earliest known reference dates to 315 BCE. In ancient times, this material found use as a soldering agent, and artisans were known for bonding gold items together using chrysocolla.

Chrysocolla enjoys a reputation as a stone of reconciliation and reassurance dating back thousands of years. Some say that carrying chrysocolla makes one great at creating compromises that benefit everyone in times of conflict.

Determining Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Value

Is Sierra Madre Chrysocolla valuable? The value of colored stones is typically determined by a combination of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This is no different when determining what chrysocolla is worth. These guidelines will help you choose stones for your collection.

  • Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Color

Sierra Madre Chrysocolla displays a vibrant blue color within a heavy reddish-brown to black matrix. Small flecks of green may also be present. The contrast creates the illusion of water slowly flowing over river rocks. A mix of color between blue gem and matrix should exist, but there is plenty of room for individual preference.

  • Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Clarity

Like many gems that feature a dense matrix, most stones will show a smooth finish. However, there is some room for texture due to the nature of the material. This variation is natural and does not affect the value.

  • Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Cut

As an opaque material, this chrysocolla gem is available in cabochons. Ovals and pears are popular shapes, but all common forms are possible.

  • Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Carat

This type of chrysocolla ranges in weight with specimens under a carat to several carats in size. Chrysocolla stones tend to be on the larger size, and bigger stones remain affordable without an increase to the cost.

Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Treatment

Sierra Madre Chrysocolla undergoes a stabilization treatment to improve its durability. This treatment is stable and permanent with normal care.

Caring for Sierra Madre Chrysocolla

This material ranks 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness and poor toughness. Stones tend to break if not handled with care unless stabilized.

Steam and ultrasonic cleaners are not suitable for this gem and may damage the stone. Also, avoid exposure to high heat and household chemicals. These may discolor or damage the surface of your jewel.

The best way to care for your chrysocolla jewelry is through standard care. Mix a solution of dishwashing liquid and lukewarm water. Scrub stones gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any dirt. Rinse your jewelry with fresh and clean water. Then, dry with a soft lint-free cloth. Though Sierra Madre Chrysocolla undergoes stabilization, it requires no special care.

The best way to store gemstone jewelry is in a lined jewelry box that keeps items separate. This prevents any accidental damage. You may also wrap individual pieces in a soft cloth.

Who Can Wear Sierra Madre Chrysocolla?

One of the best things about chrysocolla jewelry is bold styles. Designers who are working with this stone favor larger gems for use in simple pendants that highlight the natural beauty of the stone.

It's also eye-popping in silver, as the white metal contrasts brilliantly with the vibrant blues of the stone. Artisan themes and geometric designs dominate this space, creating pieces of simple elegance and understated style.

This gemstone works well with medium warm tones like coral and burnt orange. It is at home with neutrals of all types but shines when placed against shades like beige, mocha, or cream. And, of course, everything works with denim. So, feel free to dress down with a classic white tee and your favorite pair of jeans.

How Does Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Compare to Other Blue-Green Stones?

Comparing this stone to AAA Chrysocolla, you can see a significant difference. AAA Chrysocolla shows little to no matrix and includes a more even balance of blue to green color. This is a stunning contrast when placed against the bright blues and earthy tones of Sierra Madre Chrysocolla.

Sierra Madre Chrysocolla draws comparisons to Royston Turquoise, and it's easy to see why! Both gems show a vibrant blue color that peeks from within a host of a neutral, rocky matrix. However, Sierra Madre Chrysocolla lacks the transition from blue to green for which Royston Turquoise is famous.

Where Does Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Come From?

Stones come from Copper Canyon of the Sierra Madre Occidental, a significant mountain range that runs northwest to southeast through northwestern and western Mexico. The miner discovered it while he was surveying land in Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon).

The original miner thought he had discovered a previously unknown deposit of turquoise since the color was so pure and rich. Later analysis would show this to be chrysocolla! Removing the entire haul painstakingly by hand, and carried, by backpack, out of the canyon by the miner.

At the 2019 Tucson gems shows, Shop LC buyers purchased the entire stock of material, weighing around three hundred pounds. Due to its remote location and the difficulty of mining by hand, future availability is uncertain.

Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Properties

What Does Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Mean?

For centuries chrysocolla has been a stone of calm, wisdom, and tolerance. Some ancient cultures thought that carrying chrysocolla would help one with making compromises.

Gem therapists suggest that chrysocolla helps reduce stress and feelings of anger. Many believe that this stone promotes goodness and strengthens intuition.

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. These remedies, approaches, and techniques are not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat any ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.

Is Sierra Madre Chrysocolla a Birthstone?

Chrysocolla is not a modern birthstone. Some may prefer this jewel as an alternative to turquoise, a modern December birthstone.

Sierra Madre Chrysocolla Facts

  • Sierra Madre Chrysocolla ranks 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
  • This variety of chrysocolla is known for its vibrant blue color within a matrix of reddish-brown to black host rock. Flecks of green may also be present.
  • Shop LC sources our supply of this gem from Mexico.
  • Sierra Madre Chrysocolla may undergo stabilization to increase its durability.
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