Chrysocolla is a relatively soft (hardness 2.5-3.5) copper ore. Here it’s included in quartz, which is a reasonably durable gem material (hardness 7). With a little magnification, you can see the chrysocolla as botryoidal (rounded, globular) inclusions. Very cool. What we really love about these stones is the color.
Tag Archive: gem silica
Gem silica, chrysocolla!
This is a fine, translucent chalcedony colored by the mineral chrysocolla. It has come to be known by the name, gem silica. It was mined in Arizona sometime during the middle of the last century. It’s gorgeous and rare.