1.5" Botryoidal Chrysocolla Formation - Tentadora Mine, Peru

This is a bright blue formation of chrysocolla that was collected from the Tentadora Mine in the Castrovirreyna Province of Peru. This locale is renown for these vibrant blue chrysocolla specimens, typically formed over quartz crystals.

Chrysocolla is a basic copper silicate that typically forms as a pseudomorph following other copper based minerals. The chemical formula is considered undetermined due to the varying substitutions of elements and water content in its chemical structure. However, there is a form of chrysocolla with an identifiable chemical formula of Cu2H2Si2O5(OH)4 that can be found in microcrystals.

Regularly, chrysocolla will form as botryoidal lumps and spheres, rarely forming visible crystals. It can also form in both solid and fibrous veins, over fibrous minerals, and in crusts. Known for its sharp and vibrant coloring, chrysocolla can display a wide variety of colors such as bluish-green, bright green, light blue, to even sometimes multicolored specimens depending on the atmosphere present during formation.
SOLD
DETAILS
SPECIES
Chrysocolla
LOCATION
Tentadora Mine, Tricapo District, Castrovirreyna Prov., Huancavelica Dept., Peru
SIZE
1.5" wide
CATEGORY
ITEM
#169219