Chrysocolla (picture above) is often mistaken for Turquoise

First of all, Arizona has many mines, and people refer to us as the “Copper State.” Secondly, we often have enthusiastic people come into our store in Tucson, who are sure that they find turquoise in the tailing piles of nearby mines. Most noteably, as much as I would like to share in their joy, I often have to tell people that they have chryscolla. As a result, I explain my conclusion by following up with my observations of the visible fractures and the often waxy appearance.

In other words, Chrysocolla is not nearly as valuable as turquoise. Moreover, it makes a great for decorative rock in the yard, but it is typically too brittle to cut and shape for jewelry. Most notably, if you decorate your yard with this rock, please know that it should not be too close to plants. Above all, the intense copper content, which colors this rock “blue,” will leach into the soil and kill your plants!