Chrysocolla Value, Price, and Jewelry Information
Pure blue chrysocolla is extremely soft but interesting to gem collectors. On the other hand, chrysocolla that forms as gel mixed with silica and hardens into a blue to blue-green chrysocolla chalcedony is quite hard and a popular jewelry stone.
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Pure blue chrysocolla is extremely soft but interesting to gem collectors. On the other hand, chrysocolla that forms as gel mixed with silica and hardens into a blue to blue-green chrysocolla chalcedony is quite hard and a popular jewelry stone.
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Fine blue chrysocolla with very little silica crumbles too easily for cutting or jewelry use.
Blue to blue-green Eilat stones contain a mix of chrysocolla, malachite, turquoise, and other minerals. Named after the city of Eilat, Israel, where it was mined, this gem is the national stone of Israel and is also called the "King Solomon Stone." Eilat stones have a specific gravity range of 2.8 to 3.2.
Chrysocollas with druzy quartz crystals on their surfaces make popular jewelry stones.
Other varieties include:
- Stellarite: trade name for a light blue mixture of chrysocolla and quartz.
- Parrot-wing: a mixture of chrysocolla and jasper with a brownish green appearance.
Synthetics
Gemologists have found simulants, such as chalcedonies dyed to resemble chrysocollas.
Sources
- Western United States, especially Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Idaho.
- Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Chile, Israel, Mexico, Russia.
Stone Sizes
Available in large masses of material, weighing several pounds.
Care
Please note the wide range of hardness in this material. A coin could scratch stones with a hardness of 2, while specimens mixed with quartz could have a hardness of 7. If you're not certain of the composition of your stone, clean and store it with care. Avoid mechanical cleaning such as steam or ultrasonic processes. Instead, use a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water for cleaning. Store your chrysocollas separately from other stones (as you would treat opals and pearls) to avoid contact scratches. A professional gem lab can ascertain your gem's physical properties and recommend safe uses. Consult our gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more recommendations.
Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA
Dr. Joel E. Arem has more than 60 years of experience in the world of gems and minerals. After obtaining his Ph.D. in Mineralogy from Harvard University, he has published numerous books that are still among the most widely used references and guidebooks on crystals, gems and minerals in the world.
Co-founder and President of numerous organizations, Dr. Arem has enjoyed a lifelong career in mineralogy and gemology. He has been a Smithsonian scientist and Curator, a consultant to many well-known companies and institutions, and a prolific author and speaker. Although his main activities have been as a gem cutter and dealer, his focus has always been education. joelarem.com
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