WHAT IS AAA CHRYSOCOLLA?
It’s incredible to hold small wonders in your hand! As you turn a chrysocolla stone between your fingers, it’s hard not to marvel at its captivating blue and green hues. The limited black veining pierces this vibrant mottle of color to create unique patterns. But what makes AAA Chrysocolla stand apart from other examples of this gemstone? Learn how with Shop LC.
Determining Chrysocolla Value
Is AAA Chrysocolla valuable? The value of colored stones is typically determined by a combination of its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. This is no different when determining what chrysocolla is worth. These guidelines will help you choose stones for your collection.
- AAA Chrysocolla Color
Chrysocolla ranges in color from light green to deep blue, receiving its color from copper. The presence of other minerals often creates striking patterns within the material and takes the form of spots, streaks, veins, and different stunning patterns.
Sorting chrysocolla is tough, as color matching between specimens is the most critical factor when creating jewelry. Up to 50 percent of stones must be set aside, as there is too much difference in material for crafting chrysocolla jewelry.
Like Floridian Gulf Coast waters on a calm day, this stone easily transitions from teal to mossy hues. AAA Chrysocolla is known for its even balance of blue and green throughout the stone. A splash of mottling and veining should create appealing patterns across the surface of the gemstone.
- AAA Chrysocolla Clarity
An opaque stone, the surface of chrysocolla stone should be smooth after polishing, and free from surface blemishes. Rough spots, nicks, and chips can all lower the value of a gem. Stones take on a glossy luster after polishing.
- AAA Chrysocolla Cut
Cabochons are the best way to shape chrysocolla. Shapes like oval, round, cushion and pear are the most popular, as these are some of the best ways to conserve material. Ovals are especially prevalent, as this shape is great for creating big and bold looks while keeping costs down.
- AAA Chrysocolla Carat
With AAA Chrysocolla, dealers prefer larger carat sizes, simply because they help display the best color potential found within the stone. It’s frequent to find affordable specimens ranging from just around one carat, up to nearly 20 carats in weight.
The fragile nature of chrysocolla means that creating larger stones is challenging and risky, as the potential for breakage during the creation process is high. For this reason, larger stones may go for a slightly higher premium than smaller gems.
AAA Chrysocolla Treatment
These gemstones undergo a stabilization treatment to increase durability. Stabilization does not require any special care.
Caring for Chrysocolla
This material ranks 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness and has poor toughness. Stones have the potential to break or cleave if not handling them with care.
Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners with chrysocolla jewelry, as they might damage this delicate stone. Avoid exposing gems to sources of high heat or household chemicals.
The best way to care for AAA Chrysocolla jewelry is through standard jewelry care. Use a drop of liquid dishwashing soap in a bowl of lukewarm water. A cereal bowl works fine. Scrub the gem with a soft-bristled toothbrush until it is clean. Rinse your jewelry with fresh, clean water. Gently pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Who Can Wear Chrysocolla?
One of the best things about chrysocolla jewelry are the bold, prominent styles. Designers who are working with this stone favor more prominent gems for use in simple pendants that highlight the natural beauty of the stone.
It’s also eye-popping in silver, as the white metal contrasts brilliantly with the gentle blues and greens of chrysocolla. Artisan themes and geometric designs dominate this space, creating pieces of simple elegance and understated style.
This blue-green gemstone works well with medium warm tones like coral and burnt orange. AAA Chrysocolla is at home with neutrals of all types, but shines when placed against shades like beige, mocha, or cream. And, of course, everything works with denim. So feel free to dress down with a classic white tee and your favorite pair of jeans.
How Does Chrysocolla Compare to Other Blue-Green Stones?
Many confuse this gem with turquoise, malachite, or azurite. These stones all occur around deposits of copper and owe their range of color to trace amounts of this metallic element.
It can be challenging to tell these stones apart. Typically, these similar jewels are identifiable by telltale clues; the striping of malachite or the matrix of particular turquoise are two examples.
AAA Chrysocolla stands apart with its speckled verdant greens, mysterious blues, and black matrix of spots or light veining.
Where Does Chrysocolla Come From?
Chrysocolla occurs throughout the world. Significant producers include the American Southwest, Chile, Mexico, Israel.
Chrysocolla Properties
What Does Chrysocolla Mean?
For centuries chrysocolla has been a stone of calm, wisdom, and tolerance. Some ancient cultures thought that carrying chrysocolla would help one with making compromises.
Gem therapists suggest that chrysocolla helps reduce stress and feelings of anger. Many believe that this stone promotes goodness and strengthens intuition.
Disclaimer: Use of any stone or mineral is not a substitute for professional medical care or treatment, and nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information provided should not be used to treat any illness, injury, medical condition, or ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health professional.
Is Chrysocolla a Birthstone?
Chrysocolla is not a modern birthstone. Some may prefer this blue-green jewel as an alternative to turquoise, a modern December birthstone.
AAA Chrysocolla Facts
- Chrysocolla ranks 2.5 to 3 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
- AAA Chrysocolla should have even blue and green color, with some black matrix.
- This stone comes from worldwide sources, including the United States, Mexico, and Chile.
- A stabilization treatment improves the durability of chrysocolla.