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This Chrysocolla cabochon is made from the most classical mix of Chrysocolla known from Peru: Chrysocolla (Cyan), Malachite (green), and Tenorite (metallic dark grey to black). This type of mix comes from a specific mine in southern Peru, and nowadays it is very hard to obtain. Our cabochons are made from old material that was obtained 9 years ago.
Chrysocolla is one of the Peruvian flagship minerals for jewelry and decor products. It is a minor ore of copper that forms in the superficial oxidation zones of copper ore bodies. Chrysocolla is mined in the southern Peruvian desert and on the western slopes of the Andes, where artisan miners search for the greenish coloration in the desert sand indicating the presence of chrysocolla. When mining into the depth and following the chrysocolla veins, miners might then eventually find copper bodies.
Chrysocolla itself has a cyan (blue-green) color. However, Chrysocolla veins are in fact never made of pure chrysocolla but rather consist of a mixture of this mineral with several others:
Cuprite – an oxide mineral composed of copper oxide Cu2O, and is a minor ore of copper. It is dark red to cochineal red, sometimes almost black.
Malachite – a green copper carbonate hydroxide mineral.
Tenorite – dull grey-black.
Quartz – The white milk quartz or milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Lemonite – yellow
Azurite – a soft, deep-blue copper mineral
Even if a material is called “Chrysocolla”, most likely the real Chrysocolla mineral itself only makes up for a small percentage within the mix of minerals.
Generally speaking, the higher the concentration of real Chrysocolla in the mixed vein (meaning the more uniform cyan its color), the more costly is the rough rock. Pure cyan-colored chrysocolla pieces are generally used for jewelry only because they are small and very expensive.
Also, the more chrysocolla is in the mix, the harder it is to cut, as the chrysocolla itself is very soft and easily breaks and chips.
Gemrock has developed the first objective Gemstone Quality Standard for Serpentinite, which helps you identify top-quality material and avoid overpriced, low-grade material. Read Here
How to care for Chrysocolla?
To care for Chrysocolla, clean it with a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild soap, avoiding abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. Due to its softness and fragility, protect it from scratches by storing it separately in a soft cloth-lined box, and remove jewelry before strenuous activity.
Gemrock Chrysocolla products are ethical crystals
Ethical Chrysocolla refers to stones that are sourced in a way that respects workers, communities, and the environment.
Here is what we do to guarantee that our Chrysocolla is ethical:
No illegal mining (therefore no child labor and no mining in protected or ecologically sensitive habitats): We are not buying from illegal mines. Legality of the raw material is guaranteed by payments via bank transfer, after receiving an official invoice from the provider. Illegal miners would insist on cash payments only. By buying from legal mining operations only, we guarantee that no child labor is involved, as legal mining operations are supervised by the government and have to follow anti-child labor laws. Mining in protected areas or ecologically sensitive habitats is not allowed in Peru. By making sure we buy from legal mines, we therefore protect the environment.
No shadow-business mining: While mining concessions might be legal, they still can be shadow-business, not respecting workers’ rights, nor paying labor benefits, ignoring safety, and avoiding paying taxes. By not engaging in cash payments for our rough rock, we eliminate the opportunity for shadow business to occur. We do pay taxes whenever we buy rough rock and therefore do benefit Peruvian society in general by securing that the government has the funds for the services it provides.
No artisan shadow-business gemstone cutting: Crystal providers often promote their products as being sourced from local artisans, indicating that this would benefit local communities. Sadly, the contrary is true: In Peru, 100% of artisan lapidary workshops are shadow businesses. They get paid unreasonably low prices in cash. Artisan lapidary cutters do not work with legal labor contracts, have no health insurance, no retirement funds, no vacations, no maximum weekly labor hours, or any other labor benefits. Therefore, our Angelite gemstones are exclusively produced in-house. We are hiring our gem cutters under legal labor contracts, paying all legally required labor benefits, complying with safety laws, and providing our workers with quality gemstone cutting training and career options. We pay fair salaries that are higher than minimum salaries and get scaled upwards according to the level of training a cutter reaches. Our cutters get paid bonuses to meet quality targets and participate in the profits of the company.
We protect the environment: In Gemrock, we reduced water use in the lapidary process by over 90% by implementing water recycling measures. We recycle our garbage wherever possible. We have calculated the remaining carbon footprint of the products and engage in tree planting projects to neutralize our carbon footprint.
You cannot find the cabochon you are looking for, or you are looking for personalized professional cutting service?
Communicate directly with our cutting factory in Peru. We can help you with:
· Bulk lapidary cutting service
· Calibrated cabochon cutting
· Custom lapidary work and designer cabs from your material or our material
Please note: the following statements do NOT reflect our company’s beliefs. There is no scientific proof for any of the information provided. Whether you believe it or not is entirely up to your own discretion. We are simply sharing information found on the internet in response to frequently asked questions from our clients.
What is the spirituality of Chrysocolla?
Chrysocolla is associated with emotional balance, fostering calm, clarity, and communication. Mentally, it is thought to promote wisdom, reduce nervousness, and enhance creativity. As a stone of peace, Chrysocolla's metaphysical properties are thought to support personal transformation, emotional healing, and the development of self-awareness. The Chrysocolla crystal is often used in meditation to help open the heart and mind, allowing for a deeper connection with the self and the universe.
What zodiac is Chrysocolla for?
The stone symbolizes self-reflection, stimulates a neutral and open attitude, and surfaces the truth. It represents clarity of the mind, creativity, and communication. Chrysocolla is known for its cleansing and activating properties. Chrysocolla is associated with the zodiac signs Taurus, Virgo and Aquarius.
What is Chrysocolla crystal good for?
This stone will help in reducing that panic feeling when overwhelmed and will allow you to have a clear head and a calm mind while making difficult decisions. Chrysocolla will aid in communicating those thoughts while raising your wisdom to achieve these ideas in reality.
What chakra is associated with Chrysocolla?
Chrysocolla works with the Heart and Throat chakras, encouraging us to speak from the knowledge of our Highest Selves, giving us access to true wisdom and teaching.