About Chrysocolla
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Chrysocolla Rough Stone |
Chrysocolla is one of the lesser known gemstones, but it is a fascinating mineral. It is sometimes confused with turquoise due to its color and its greasy vitreous luster. Chrysocolla is one of a small group of copper-bearing gems that includes malachite, azurite, larimar, oregon sunstone and paraiba tourmaline, as well as turquoise.
By composition, chrysocolla is a hydrous copper silicate, often with traces of oxides of copper, iron and manganese. It is a fairly soft stone at 2-4 on the Mohs scale, somewhat softer than turquoise. It is almost always opaque, and often occurs in shades of blue and green that have similarities to turquoise.
The name chyrsocolla comes from the Greek words for gold (chyrsos) and glue (kolla). It is a name that the Greeks applied to minerals used for soldering gold, but the term came to be used to refer to various green copper-bearing minerals.
One of the interesting features of chrysocolla is that it is often found mixed with other secondary copper minerals such as malachite, azurite and turquoise or with quartz. These mixtures provide interesting patterns and textures, and also make the final product harder and more durable than pure chrysocolla.
Traditionally chrysocolla is said to alleviate fear, guilt, and nervous tension. It is thought to crystallize feelings of spiritually centered love, acceptance and tolerance toward others. It makes it possible to forgive others for their wrong doings and be more loving and understanding, thus fostering goodwill. It also aids in the activation of the feminine qualities that we all possess. Chrysocolla is known to be favored by musicians and singers all over the world.
Chrysocolla deposits are found in Chile, Israel, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Nevada in the USA and in the Congo in Africa.
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