On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Rock / mineral aggregate · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Chrysocolla
A hydrous copper aluminium silicate mineral species of variable composition; beads sold on the market may be mixtures, so it should not be simplified to pure copper silicate. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Chrysocolla forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify ChrysocollaHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Treatments and enhancements of Chrysocolla2 registered treatments: status, stability, how common they are and identification leads
- Caring for and wearing ChrysocollaCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them
- Hardness, density and refractive index of ChrysocollaEach value with its source and check date
- Chrysocolla in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Listing and disclosing ChrysocollaThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define ChrysocollaWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Chrysocolla is a copper-bearing secondary mineral material whose formation environment is the shallow oxidation (weathering) zone of copper ore bodies. When primary copper-sulfide ore is weathered and oxidised near the surface, copper is released into solution; the copper-bearing solution reacts with the silicate host rock and precipitates secondary copper minerals, including chrysocolla, in fractures and cavities. It commonly occurs in the same oxidation zone as malachite, azurite and other copper minerals, and commercial bead material is sometimes a mixture/aggregate of several copper minerals.
Scope: Covers the origin of chrysocolla formed in the oxidation zone of natural copper deposits (and of copper-mineral aggregate bead material sold in the trade); does not cover dyed, resin-impregnated or otherwise treated material.
Sources G&G Winter 2023 · G&G Fall 2022
Where it forms
The shallow oxidation/weathering zone of a copper ore body (near-surface)
Sources G&G Winter 2023
Fractures and cavities where copper-bearing solutions react with an aluminosilicate host rock
Sources G&G Winter 2023
How it forms, step by step
Primary copper-sulfide ore is weathered and oxidised near the surface
Sources G&G Winter 2023
Oxidation releases copper into acidic copper-bearing solution
Sources G&G Winter 2023
The copper-bearing solution reacts with aluminium- and potassium-bearing (silicate) minerals of the host rock and precipitates secondary copper minerals in veins, seams or cavities
Sources G&G Winter 2023
In the oxidation zone it coexists with malachite, azurite and others, forming aggregates or fillings as groundwater activity continues
Sources G&G Winter 2023
Link to appearance
Chrysocolla is blue to blue-green and, as a secondary hydrous copper silicate, typically forms microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline aggregates; it is relatively soft and occurs as vein fillings and masses, with a variable composition and often mixed with other copper minerals.
Sources G&G Fall 2022
Timescale
The cited authoritative texts give no specific duration or age for chrysocolla formation; they treat it as a secondary mineral that results from the weathering and oxidation of a copper orebody.
Sources G&G Winter 2023
Supporting findings
Secondary copper minerals such as malachite and azurite develop in the near-surface zone once a copper orebody has been weathered and oxidized; chrysocolla shares the same oxidation-zone setting.
Evidence grade AScope: The source explicitly names malachite and azurite (copper carbonates); treating chrysocolla as a same-zone copper silicate is a reasonable extension the source does not itself name.
Sources G&G Winter 2023
An acidic copper-bearing solution reacts with aluminium- and potassium-bearing (silicate) minerals of the host rock to precipitate secondary copper minerals in veins, seams or fractures.
Evidence grade BScope: This sentence in the source describes turquoise (a copper aluminium phosphate); chrysocolla is a hydrous copper silicate, so the mechanism is analogous but the mineral differs.
Sources G&G Winter 2023
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Africa
- Lubumbashi, Katanga, Democratic Republic of the CongoHoM lists it among localities for rich or commercial material (gem use not specified)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Asia
- Timna mine, IsraelHoM lists it among localities for rich or commercial material (gem use not specified)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Europe
- Nizhny Tagil, Ural Mountains, RussiaHoM lists it among localities for rich or commercial material (gem use not specified)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
North America
- Globe-Miami district, Gila County, Arizona, United StatesHoM lists it among localities for rich or commercial material (gem use not specified)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy · G&G Spring 2015
South America
- Chuquicamata, Antofagasta, ChileHoM lists it among localities for rich or commercial material (gem use not specified)
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Other research findings
Chrysocolla commonly occurs with and alongside other copper minerals such as malachite and azurite in the same exposed copper-ore oxidation zone, and commercial material can be a mixture of several copper minerals.
Evidence grade BScope: The source only states that malachite and azurite are 'rarely found exclusive from one another' and form in exposed copper ore; chrysocolla is not mentioned and the association is an extension.
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The G6-assigned text (a pigments review) mentions malachite/azurite only in the copper-ore oxidation context and never names chrysocolla; its origin here is an oxidation-zone inference, flagged with evidence strength B.
- The 'copper solution reacting with host rock' sentence describes turquoise formation and is used by analogy, not as direct evidence for chrysocolla.
- No exact formula or locality data for chrysocolla is covered.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Chrysocolla
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2 “Chrysocolla” · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.57 “Chrysocolla”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
"Chrysocolla" is a market name rather than a mineral species name; before using it, verify: Laboratory identification required before the name is used.
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Chrysocolla" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- This entry's exact material identity is not fully settled.
- See “Disclosure and cautions” above
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Trade-name ruling
- Laboratory identification required before the name is used.
- Suggested listing name
- Chrysocolla
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Chrysocolla — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Chrysocolla, p.39; §6.2 j (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Chrysocolla — care (chemicals): Treatments with dye, oil, resin, wax or plastic are not permanent; keep it away from all solvents (including dish-washing liquids), chemicals and heat.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code k
- Treatment state
- treated
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Chrysocolla, p.39; §6.2 k (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Chrysocolla — care (chemicals): Some stones are porous. Do not allow contact with coloured fluids.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code c
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Chrysocolla, p.39; §6.2 c (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Chrysocolla — care (wear): low hardness, so it scratches easily; wear with care; cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code a, special-care code b
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Chrysocolla, p.39; §6.2 a, b (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
CleaningThe care conclusions for Chrysocolla come from the CIBJO Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022): whether treated or not, Chrysocolla should not be cleaned ultrasonically; Chrysocolla is porous, so keep it away from coloured liquids. For Chrysocolla treated with dye, oil, resin, wax or plastic, these treatments are not permanent, and it must be kept away from all solvents including detergent, chemicals and heat. WearOn wear, the conclusion that applies regardless of treatment status states that Chrysocolla is soft and scratches easily, and is also prone to breaking, so it should be worn with care.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner? | care (cleaning) |
| Contact with acids, alkalis and household chemicals | Treatments with dye, oil, resin, wax or plastic are not permanent; keep it away from all solvents (including dish-washing liquids), chemicals and heat; care (chemicals) |
| Wearing limits (knocks, settings) | low hardness, so it scratches easily; wear with care; cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care |
Care entries by treatment state
The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.
any treatment state
- care (cleaning) §6.2 j
- care (chemicals) §6.2 c
- low hardness, so it scratches easily; wear with care; cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care §6.2 a, b
treated
Treatments and identification leads
Registered treatmentsThe registered treatments for Chrysocolla are impregnation and surface waxing. Stability and frequencyImpregnation has the status treated, an effect stability of “unstable” and a prevalence of occasional; surface waxing has the status treated, an effect stability of “unstable” and a prevalence of occasional. Values not givenThe identification leads and sources for both impregnation and surface waxing are recorded as “—”, meaning the cited source gives no value, not “none”. SyntheticsNo synthetic counterpart of Chrysocolla is on the market.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Treatment | Market frequency (CIBJO) | Stability (CIBJO) | GB/T 16552 category | JJA/AGL listing | Identification leads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| impregnationStatus: treated | occasionally | unstable | — | — | — |
| surface waxingStatus: treated | occasionally | unstable | — | — | — |
Where each treatment acts (schematics): Impregnated · Waxed
“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):
- GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
- CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15
What this table covers
What this page can give
- Registered treatments, their stability and how often they occur (see the table above)
- Identification leads for each treatment, for use when sending a stone for testing
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name for Chrysocolla comes from GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2, and the suggested listing name is Chrysocolla. Institution usageOn authority wording, the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 has Chrysocolla on record; the FTC text on file has no wording for Chrysocolla (checked); the wording of GIA and Gem-A is not yet checked. Bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent their position. Japanese namesThe GSJ (Japan) formal name is given in Japanese. Names in four languagesThe four-language names cover Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Chrysocolla) and Japanese. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name Chrysocolla refers to a mineral species of hydrous copper aluminium silicate of variable composition, and beads on the market may be mixtures.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- 珪孔雀石
- Chinese formal name
- 硅孔雀石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.2)
- Mineralogical name
- Chrysocolla, a mineral species with variable Cu–Al hydrous silicate composition; commercial beads may be mixtures
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 硅孔雀石
- 繁體中文
- 矽孔雀石
- English
- Chrysocolla
- 日本語
- クリソコラ／珪孔雀石
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Other silicate minerals
- Identity tier
- Rock / mineral aggregate
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
What it is and how it's identified
Chrysocolla has the composition (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4·nH2O and may contain other impurities; its phase is chrysocolla. Its structure is a cryptocrystalline or colloidal aggregate, stalactitic, crusty or earthy in form, and it often occurs as a colouring agent in chalcedony. Mohs hardness is 2–4; this site notes that the cited source marks this range as approximate. Density is 2–2.4 g/cm³. Optic character is anisotropic aggregate; refractive index is 1.461–1.57, and this site notes that the cited clause has finer ranges and the overall value is recorded; birefringence is not measurable on an aggregate; transparency is opaque. When untreated, lustre is vitreous or waxy, with earthy lustre on earthy parts. The mid-infrared region shows the characteristic infrared absorption bands of chrysocolla.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Definition
Chrysocolla — nomenclature status: IMA status A: approved (accepted by the IMA after it was set up in 1958).
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Chrysocolla — composition (chemistry): (Cu,Al) 2H2Si2O5 (OH) 4 · nH2O, other impurities may be contained.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — composition (phase): chrysocolla
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Chrysocolla — structure (overall): a cryptocrystalline or colloidal aggregate, stalactitic, crust-like or earthy in habit; it generally occurs in chalcedony as a coloring agent.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-22)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Durability
Mohs hardness2 sources compared
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
Chrysocolla — Mohs hardness: 2–4
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Chrysocolla — Mohs hardness: 2–4
Handbook of Mineralogy
- Qualification
The cited source marks this range with an approximation sign, so it is an approximate figure.
Source & check 2026-09-20
- Source
- Handbook of Mineralogy — Chrysocolla (Mineral Data Publishing): p. 1, Physical Properties (locator checked 2026-09-20)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-20
Chrysocolla — cleavage: generally not seen on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — toughness: cleavage not stated in the cited source; tenacity brittle to sectile.
Handbook of Mineralogy
- Treatment state
- untreated
Source & check 2026-09-20
- Source
- Handbook of Mineralogy — Chrysocolla (Mineral Data Publishing): p. 1, Physical Properties (locator checked 2026-09-20)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-20
For Chrysocolla, the stability of impregnation is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- impregnation
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
For Chrysocolla, the stability of surface waxing is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- surface waxing
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Physical properties
Chrysocolla — density: 2–2.4 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Chrysocolla — optic character: anisotropic material
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — refractive index: 1.461–1.57
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — birefringence: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — transparency: opaque.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Chrysocolla — pleochroism: not measurable on an aggregate
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — fluorescence (overall): generally none
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — spectrum (UV-visible): non-characteristic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — spectrum (infrared): In the mid-IR, chrysocolla shows its own diagnostic band pattern.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Chrysocolla — magnification: cryptocrystalline structure, mineral inclusions
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
body colour2 sources compared
Chrysocolla — body colour: green or light blue-green; impurities can turn it brown or black.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Turquoise, Epidote, Nephrite and other variety clauses also name green or a greenish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Chrysocolla — body colour: Green-blue to blue.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Aquamarine, Dioptase, Lagoon Tourmaline and other entries also name blue or a bluish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
How the sources relate
- GB/T 16553—2017 and CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
The two overlap at blue-green: the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book gives green-blue to blue; GB/T 16553—2017 gives green and light blue-green, and notes that impurities can turn it brown or black.
Quality factors
Chrysocolla — quality factor (lustre): vitreous and waxy; earthy material has an earthy lustre.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.2.16 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.516 / 2.2; Closest values: 1Hackmanite 1.483 / 2.27, 2Tektite / Moldavite 1.495 / 2.36, 3Apophyllite 1.536 / 2.4, 4Obsidian 1.495 / 2.4, 5Haüyne 1.5 / 2.46
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
The CIBJO laboratory protocol requires Chrysocolla to be checked specifically for dyeing (copper-bearing); its note on test methods is that special optical effects are included under other minerals. There is no synthetic counterpart of Chrysocolla on the market. Impregnation has treatment status treated and is occasionally seen among Chrysocolla on the market; surface waxing has treatment status treated and is also occasionally seen among Chrysocolla on the market. The required tests and methods for Chrysocolla under the CIBJO laboratory protocol are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page.
The tests the CIBJO laboratory protocol requires for this material, and what each method means, are in the protocol table on the laboratory testing page: §6.1.19.
How far testing can go
Chrysocolla — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
For Chrysocolla in trade, the reported frequency of impregnation is “occasionally”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- impregnation
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
For Chrysocolla in trade, the reported frequency of surface waxing is “occasionally”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- surface waxing
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Chrysocolla — what the CIBJO laboratory protocol says to watch for: dyed (with Cu)
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Chrysocolla — notes on test methods in the CIBJO laboratory protocol:
| Test method | What the protocol notes for it |
|---|---|
| Phenomena: | Within other minerals |
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Chrysocolla has a clause-level definition in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 under the entry name Chrysocolla, defined as greenish blue to blue and opaque; cross-check result: defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. Chrysocolla also corresponds to an entry in the IMA list of minerals, registered under the name Chrysocolla, with the formula (Cu2-xAlx)H2-xSi2O5(OH)4·nH2O and the status mark A 1980 s.p.; it has been cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA list of minerals main table, using public-domain data.
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| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysocolla | 7.2.1.57 | Green-blue to blue, opaque | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
| Chrysocolla | IMA Mineral List entry | Chrysocolla (Cu2-xAlx)H2-xSi2O5(OH)4·nH2O A 1980 s.p. | Cross-checked against the RRUFF/IMA master mineral list (public domain data). |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. Gemmological Laboratories Book (Blue Book), Gemmological Commission 2024-1.
- CIBJO – The World Jewellery Confederation. The Gemstone Book (Blue Book), 2022.
- SAMR / SAC (China). GB/T 16552—2017 Gems — Nomenclature.
- RRUFF Project, in partnership with the IMA – International Mineralogical Association. IMA Mineral List.
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
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| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Other silicate minerals | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Chrysocolla entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.