CHRYSOCOLLA

Specifications

 Mineral Class: Phyllosilicate
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Hardness: 2.5 - 3.5
Luster: Vitreous to Dull
Diaphaneity: Translucent to Opaque
Colors: Green, Blue, Black
Symbolizes: Wisdom
Source: Chile, Congo, Mexico, Peru, Russia, UK, and USA

Chrysocolla is a hydrated copper phyllosilicate mineral, ranging from light green to deep blue. Chrysocolla's name comes from ancient Greece, χρυσός (chrysos) and κολλα (kolla), "gold" and "glue," relating to the mineral used to solder gold and was first named in 315 BC. Chrysocolla is commonly found with Azurite and Malachite, and can also contain Cuprite. This mineral is often confused with Turquoise because of its similar blue colors. Chrysocolla is a part of the Eilat Stone, which gets its name from the city of Eilat where it was once mined. Eilat Stone contains several secondary copper minerals, including Chrysocolla, Malachite, Azurite, and Turquoise. The Eilat stone is the National stone of Israel and was originally mined in King Solomon's mines. In ancient Egypt, it was called the "wise stone" and it is said that Cleopatra wore Chrysocolla jewelry everywhere she went.