CHRYSOCOLLA

Chrysocolla is a hydrous copper phyllosilicate mineral with the chemical formula (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4•n(H2O). It typically forms where copper concentrations are exposed to air and water. It is rarely pure, and its crystal structure varies depending on the mix of elements. It can often be found in association with other copper minerals, such as azurite, malachite, chalcopyrite, cuprite, and turquoise. It typically develops as botryoidal “bubbly” masses, crusts, or vein fillings within the host matrix. Pure chrysocolla is very soft, unless combined with additional silicate minerals like quartz, chalcedony, or opal; because of this, it can range between 2-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

CHRYSOCOLLA HISTORY AND USES

The name chrysocolla comes from the Ancient Greek (khrusós) and (kolla), meaning "gold" and "glue", which is in allusion to the fact that chrysocolla was regularly utilized by goldsmiths as an ingredient for solder; The word was first used in 315 BC by Greek Philosopher and successor to Aristotle, Theophrastus; Later, it was called santerna by the Romans, and was considered the most common application for welding gold pieces together. The Roman Emperor, Nero, who was a well-known patron of the Roman Athletic Games and Contests, was a proud supporter of the green faction of ancient Rome. The Emperor was known to hold many competitions, such as the chariot races, and would do anything to ensure that his club would be proven superior. The green faction of Rome was considered the most dominant club in the games, so when Nero was to take part in a race as one of the charioteer’s, he would have the arena dusted with ground green-blue chrysocolla powder instead of using the customary sand.

Chrysocolla is a fairly common mineral, and it has been used in certain jewelry applications since early Antiquity, roughly 4,000 years ago. Today, high-end specimens with vibrant color and fantastic formations are often found within many mineral enthusiast collections. It is also commonly used as a gemstone in jewelry making, sometimes replacing the rarer and higher priced mineral, Turquoise. Less commonly, chrysocolla also finds applications in certain industrial settings: because it contains copper, it is sometimes processed for its copper extraction, although this is a less common practice when compared to more plentiful copper ores, such as chalcopyrite.

CHRYSOCOLLA METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, chrysocolla is a stone of the Heart and Throat Chakra’s. It is said that chrysocolla can aid its user in finding personal well-being and ambition, which can lead to necessary change and inevitable success. Using energies associated with the Heart and Throat Chakra’s, chrysocolla can help to create peace within a troubled heart, while encouraging its user to speak higher vibrational wisdom into existence. Chrysocolla is also said to aid in the release of destructive programming, and increases the capacity to Love one’s self, and then pour Love into others. Physically, chrysocolla is said to aid the body with lung capacity and breathing issues, as well as aid with the healthy reoxygenation of blood and overall stabilization of blood pressure. Additionally, it is said to aid with healthy function of the digestive tract and alleviation of pain associated with stomach ulcers and pancreatic disease.