(Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O
Chrysocolla
Gem cutters often back it with quartz, because the copper silicate alone crumbles near a setting.
- Formula
- (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2–4
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Colour
- blue, green
- Element
- water
- Chakra (tradition)
- throat
- Zodiac
- Taurus, Gemini, Virgo
- Month
- —
- Where the earth keeps it
- Peru, United States, Congo
What it actually is
Chrysocolla is (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O before it is a story. The lattice is orthorhombic, Mohs 2–4, and the eye meets blue, green.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in Peru, United States, Congo. Gem cutters often back it with quartz, because the copper silicate alone crumbles near a setting.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Chrysocolla to water and to the throat centre. The old site stood it near: Taurus, Gemini, Virgo.
How not to turn it to ash
Softer than a steel knife. No ultrasonic bath, no acid, no sudden heat. Dust wants a dry cloth.