CHRYSOCOLLA

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES:  Chrysocolla was first described by the Greek naturalist Theophrastus in 315 B.C.  Its name stems from the Greek chrysos, meaning “gold,” and kolla, or “glue,” and refers to a similar-appearing material used to solder gold.  Chrysocolla is uncommon and has few collecting localities.  Notable sources are in Democratic Republic of Congo, England, Mexico, Russia, Chile, and the United States (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Pennsylvania).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Chrysocolla [basic hydrous copper aluminum acid silicate, (Cu,Al)₂H₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄·nH₂O] crystallizes in the orthorhombic system in massive, nodular, or botryoidal form.  Crystals are rare.  It has a variable Mohs hardness of 2.5-3.5, no cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.0-2.2.  It is translucent to opaque, has a vitreous-to-dull luster, and colors that range from blue and bluish-green to  green.  Chrysocolla is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidation zones of copper-rich deposits as vug and vein fillings and crusts, usually in botryoidal form and in association with azurite and malachite.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: In medieval time, physicians prescribed chrysocolla to treat ailments of the lungs and back.  Modern metaphysical practitioners believe that chrysocolla is a stone of peace that soothes and calms in times of stress, draws off negative energies, and brings understanding to discordant relationships.  As a minor gemstone, chrysocolla is fashioned into cabochons, beads, and ornamental objects.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Chrysocolla is collected for its color, rarity, and association with other colorful oxidized-copper minerals such as azurite.

QUARTZ (var. ROCK CRYSTAL)

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES: Rock crystal, which is common and occurs worldwide, has been collected since prehistory.  Notable collecting localities are found in India, Brazil, Germany, Peru, Bolivia, Namibia, Russia, and the United States (Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Connecticut, Virginia).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Rock crystal is the transparent, colorless variety of macrocrystalline quartz [silicon dioxide, SiO₂).  The word “quartz” is believed to have originated with the Slavic kwardy, meaning “hard,” in allusion to its substantial hardness.  It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and occurs mainly in hydrothermal veins, granite pegmatites, and as geode linings as short-to-long, horizontally striated, hexagonal, prismatic crystals with pyramidal terminations and distinctive, water-clear transparency.  It has a Mohs hardness of 7.0, a conchoidal fracture, vitreous luster, and specific gravity of 2.65.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Rock crystal has since antiquity been one of the most widely collected of all minerals.  It has served as a gemstone and ornamental stone in many cultures.  Until quartz was synthesized in the 1960s, rock crystal was vital to electronic frequency controls, filters, and timing devices. Modern metaphysical practitioners call rock crystal the “universal crystal” because of its numerous abilities to sharpen insight, enhance spiritual development, improve concentration, refine focus, and energize the mind.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: Rock crystal is widely collected for its brilliant transparency, superb hexagonal crystal development, and frequent occurrence on large plates and in geodes to make interesting display pieces.

HEMATITE

HISTORY, NAME, LOCALITIES:  Hematite served as the earliest red pigment.  Mineralogists recognized it as a species in the late 1700s.  Its name comes from the Greek haimatites, meaning “blood-like,” alluding to the red color of its earthy forms.  Notable collecting localities are found in Morocco, England, Pakistan, Switzerland, China, and the United States (Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Utah, Georgia, New York).

MINERALOGY, PROPERTIES, OCCURRENCE: Hematite [iron oxide, Fe₂O₃], pronounced HEE-muh-tite, is the most common iron-containing mineral.  It crystallizes in the hexagonal system (trigonal subsystem) in massive, botryoidal, compact, and earthy forms, and less frequently as thick-to-thin, tabular crystals.  It has a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6.5, no cleavage, a diagnostic deep-red streak, and a specific gravity of 4.9-5.3.  Massive and compact forms are steel-gray-to-black in color and have a metallic luster; earthy forms are cherry-red to reddish-brown with a dull luster. Hematite is found in sedimentary deposits, carbonatites, disseminated replacement deposits, regional metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal veins.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES, LORE, USES: Medieval physicians used hematite to treat circulatory, heart, and kidney disorders.  Modern metaphysicists believe that hematite enhances energy, vitality, memory, and intellect; helps to tolerate stress; and aids overall healing.  Hematite is the official state mineral of Alabama.  As the primary ore of iron, hematite has yielded about 85 percent of all the iron ever mined.  A silvery-gray, compact, crystalline form, called “specular hematite,” is fashioned into decorative objects and cabochons.

COLLECTORS’ INFORMATION: The botryoidal, and crystalline forms of hematite are collected for their steel-gray color; bright metallic luster, and distinctive shapes.