Chrysocolla forms in the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits when copper minerals come in contact with silica-bearing groundwater. It often occurs in association with other copper minerals like malachite, azurite, and turquoise. While found in many parts of the world, there are several key locations that are renowned for producing chrysocolla specimens.
United States
In the United States, Arizona and Utah are the premier sources of chrysocolla. The copper mines of Arizona have produced stunning blue-green chrysocolla masses, often intergrown with malachite. The Ray Mine in Pinal County, Arizona is famous for these beautiful copper mineral combinations. Chrysocolla has also been found associated with turquoise deposits in the copper mines of Bisbee, Arizona.
In Utah, the Bingham Canyon Copper Mine in Salt Lake County has yielded excellent chrysocolla crystals. Smaller amounts have also been found in Utah at the Burgin Mine in San Juan County. Exceptional druzy crusts of tiny chrysocolla crystals have come from the mines in the Robinson District of White Pine County, Nevada.
Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in central Africa is the world's largest producer of copper and cobalt. Chrysocolla is a common mineral found in the oxidized portions of the copper ore bodies. Major deposits producing chrysocolla are located in the Katanga Copperbelt of the DRC's Katanga province.
The Kolwezi, Musonoi, Kamoto, Etoile, and Luiswishi mines have all yielded fine chrysocolla specimens often lined with malachite. The DRC produces chrysocolla in a wide range of colors from blue-green to turquoise.
Chile
Northern Chile is an important source of copper ore and has produced its share of chrysocolla as well. The Chuquicamata copper mine, one of the largest open pit mines in the world, sits high in the Andes Mountains of northern Chile. Chrysocolla has been found lining fractures and cavities in the oxidized portion of the giant copper deposit.
Nearby copper mines such as Mina Sur-Sur, San Manuel, and Cerrillos also produce chrysocolla specimens. The ores mined in northern Chile tend to yield chrysocolla in more subdued blue-green hues than the Congo material.
Other Localities
While Arizona, Utah, the Congo, and Chile are the best-known sources, chrysocolla can be found in copper deposits around the world. In Australia, chrysocolla has been found in the copper mines of South Australia. Cornwall, England is famous for its copper mines which have produced fine chrysocolla specimens. A dark blue form of chrysocolla is known from Kaokoveld, Namibia. These are just a few examples demonstrating the widespread occurrence of this popular copper mineral.
Wherever copper ore bodies become oxidized at or near the Earth's surface, the potential exists for chrysocolla to form. Its soft texture and intense color make it a popular lapidary material and jewelers will no doubt continue to seek out fine chrysocolla specimens from mines across the globe.
