Chrysocolla vs Turquoise
| Property | Chrysocolla | Turquoise |
|---|---|---|
| Formule | (Cu,Al)2H2Si2O5(OH)4 · nH2O | CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8 · 4H2O |
| Système Cristallin | Orthorhombic | Triclinic |
| Classe Minérale | 09 Silicates | 08 Phosphates, Arsenates, and Vanadates |
| Dureté Mohs | 2.0-4.0 | 5.0-6.0 |
| Couleur | Blue, blue-green, green, turquoise | Sky blue, blue-green, green |
| Éclat | Vitreous | Waxy |
| Trait | White to pale blue | White to pale green |
| Transparence | Translucent | Translucent |
| Clivage | None | None |
| Cassure | Conchoidal | Conchoidal |
Key Differences
- ◆ Turquoise is a phosphate CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O; chrysocolla is a copper phyllosilicate.
- ◆ Turquoise (hardness 5–6) is significantly harder than chrysocolla (hardness 2–4).
- ◆ Turquoise has waxy luster and holds a polish well; chrysocolla has vitreous luster but is too soft for most jewelry.
- ◆ Both display similar blue-green colors due to copper content and are easily confused in rough form.
- ◆ Turquoise has been prized as a gemstone for millennia; chrysocolla is mainly a collector mineral.