Chrysocolla is a minor ore of Copper, a mineral of secondary origin commonly associated with other secondary Copper minerals, forming in the oxidation zones of Copper ore bodies. Because of its wide availability and its striking and beautiful blue and blue-green colors, this vividly colored mineral has been popular for use as a gemstone for carvings and ornamental use for centuries. It often occurs in association with Malachite, Azurite, Calcite and Dioptase, while its combination with Quartz, particularly Quartz druzy, is a highlight for most specimen collectors.

Although the crystal system for Chrysocolla is technically orthorhombic, it is often described as Amorphous (without a defined crystalline shape) since there are no known crystals of this mineral. Any perceived “crystals” would all be pseudomorphs after other minerals, most often, Azurite. The common form is typically botryoidal, reniform (rounded agglomerations larger than botryoidal agglomerations), stalactitic, in rounded balls and massive.

Chrysocolla is found in numerous locations. Notable localities include Australia, Chile, DR Congo, Israel, Peru and the USA (Arizona).