XL 81MM Chrysocolla Polished Sphere Teal And Blue Color Location Peru Free Stand
Location: Peru
Weight: 1 Pound 6.7 Ounces
Dimensions: 81MM
Comes with a Free Rosewood Stand.
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Chrysocolla is a mineral that is commonly found in Peru. It is a hydrated copper silicate mineral that belongs to the phyllosilicate group. The name "chrysocolla" is derived from the Greek words "chrysos" meaning gold and "kolla" meaning glue, referring to its bright blue-green color and its use as a soldering agent in ancient times.
Chrysocolla is known for its vibrant blue and green colors, which are caused by the presence of copper ions in its chemical composition. It often occurs as botryoidal or crusty aggregates, and can also be found in fibrous or stalactitic forms. The mineral has a vitreous to dull luster and a hardness ranging from 2 to 4 on the Mohs scale.
Peru is one of the major sources of chrysocolla in the world. The mineral can be found in various regions of the country, including the Andean highlands and the coastal areas. The most notable chrysocolla deposits in Peru are located in the Ica Department, specifically in the districts of San Juan de Marcona, Nazca, and Pisco. These deposits contain high-quality chrysocolla specimens that are highly sought after by collectors and lapidaries.
Chrysocolla often forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits. It is commonly associated with other copper minerals such as malachite, azurite, and cuprite. The formation of chrysocolla occurs through a process called supergene enrichment, which involves the leaching of copper from primary sulfide minerals and its subsequent precipitation as secondary minerals in near-surface environments