Gemstone :
Chrysocolla

Birthstone Month :
Chrysocolla is not associated with any particular birthstone month.

Zodiac :
Chrysocolla is associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini.

Chemical Symbol :
CuSiO3-nH20

Chemical Make-up :
Chrysocolla is a hydrated Copper Silicate.

History & Lore :
The name Chrysocolla is derived from the Greek words 'chrysos' meaning “gold”, and 'kolla' meaning “glue”, in allusion to the fact that this mineral is used for soldering gold. The name Chrysocolla was first used by Theophrastus in 315 B.C.

Chrysocolla is thought to promote gentleness and soothing qualities such as peace, intuition, patience, and unconditional love. Chrysocolla increases one's capacity to love and can help stabilize and/or re-build relationships with friends and loved ones alike. In addition to this, Chrysocolla is believed to dispel negativity and attract good luck and prosperity.

Physically, Chrysocolla is believed to help aid heart and blood disorders and to be able to relieve ulcers and arthritis.

Availability :
Chrysocolla is a widely occurring, readily available mineral that is priced moderately.

Sources :
Chrysocolla can be found wherever Copper deposits occur, most notably in Chile, Democratic Republic of Congo, England, France, Israel, Mexico, the United States, and Zaire.

Evaluation :
Pure Chrysocolla is rated at 2 to 4 on Moh's Scale of Hardness and is generally much too soft and fragile to be appropriately used for gemstone and/or jewelry purposes. Chrysocolla is however a popular collectors mineral and ornamental stone because of its Turquoise-like color that ranges from blue, greenish-blue to green.

Chrysocolla is often “agatized” in Chalcedony Quartz, which provides the stone with its polish,durability and a respective 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness. In fact, nearly all gemstones marketed as Chrysocolla have been intermixed or encrusted with Chalcedony Quartz. Druzy Chrysocolla is a popular variety of agatized Chrysocolla that has a crust of small sparkling Quartz crystals in small cavities. A skilled lapidist can create a beautiful and valuable gemstone if they are able to polish the specimen so that it accentuates both the colored swirls of Chrysocolla and the sparkles of the Druzy Quartz.

Common Cuts :
Chrysocolla is most commonly and almost exclusively cut into cabochons for jewelry purposes. It is also cut into figurines and carvings for ornamental purposes.

Routine Enhancements :
Chrysocolla is sometimes coated with clear, colorless wax or resin in order to improve the stones overall durability and appearance.

Care & Cleaning :
Pure Chrysocolla is very soft so care should always be taken to keep the stone in its original condition. Steam and ultrasonic cleaners, household chemicals, and prolonged exposure to excessive heat should all be avoided as they can cause permanent damage. The safest way to clean Chrysocolla is with warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

Chrysocolla jewelry should always be stored in a fabric-lined box away or separate from other jewelry items as it can easy be scratched.