Since ancient times, the art of jewelry has served from precious stones offered us by nature, the chrysocolla, is no exception. The jewels have been used as personal adornments and a symbol of religious beliefs or of the social position of who wear them. However, within the family of precious stones, the chrysocolla is one of the least known, even when it is found on three continents of the world.
Chrysocolla is a secondary mineral that forms at the top of copper deposits, what is known as the oxidation zone. This particularity offers attractive colors, as well as unique multicolored patterns, highly appreciated by jewelers. The stone is often confused with turquoise, by the similarity of colors; however, the charming blue to green color is due to copper impurities.
The particular name of this stone comes from the Greek “chrysos”, which means gold, and “kolla”, which refers to glue, alluding to the material used to weld gold in ancient Greece. Thanks to beauty and its qualities, the chrysocolla has aroused the interest and creativity of many artists, especially the jewelers. Also, the stone in its pure state is flexible and very delicate, so it is not recommended for the production of pieces. The same must be submitted to different processes to make it more durable.
The stone is traditionally cut in a cabochon (rounded edge), special for micro-crystalline stones, has a glassy or waxy shine, with white stripe and has an irregular fracture, so it is not common to carve the material, but it is generally done for collectors. The most common is that the chrysocolla is cut in oval or free shapes; the best known are round, pears, trillions, baguettes and drop forms, although fantasy forms are also common.
The chrysocolla is also called Peruvian turquoise, since it was used by pre-Columbian cultures. There are findings about pieces made with this stone in ceremonial glasses, bracelets, ornamental pitchers and in beads in the necklaces of the Yungas (Lima Indians in 3.000 B.C.). The stone can also be found in Israel, Africa, Europe, Mexico, the United States, China, Brazil and Chile.
If the chrysocolla is used as jewelry, it should be limited to protective designs such as necklaces, pendants, earrings and brooches. It is not recommended for daily use rings but with a clear quartz coating it can be more durable. This stone denotes opulence and looks especially amazing with silver or platinum settings.
Finally, the chrysocolla can function as a substitute for other more expensive stones, since its color and general appearance have nothing to envy to other kinds of stones; and that is why more and more jewelers and artisans of the world make use of this stone to make their jewelery works.
ALFA