Chrysocolla from Peru Meaning, Metaphysical Energy & Geology

A Peruvian specimen sold at gem markets as turquoise was tested and found to contain chrysocolla-rich domains.

Tested specimen: 92781 (sample 6) · Report completed: June 21, 2021

Key finding: The laboratory identified chrysocolla mixed with feldspar or altered feldspar and other material consistent with altered volcanic ash. The bulk analysis found a little over 3% copper; the specimen was not pure chrysocolla.

What the report means

The report does not identify turquoise in this specimen. See the companion entry on the market name, “Turquoise” from Peru. Both entries show the same report and the same tested stone.

View the original test results

Select any report page to enlarge it. The pages are reproduced from the analytical report for this individual specimen.

Mineral identification is specific to the sample analyzed. The full report pages preserve the laboratory's wording and limitations.

Understanding the report figures

Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.

Electron microscope image: This view shows small-scale regions selected for analysis. Its brightness contrast helps distinguish regions with different compositions; it is not a photograph of their natural colors. Numbered spots connect this view to the analyses listed in the report.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 2: Backscattered electron image of sample 6.
Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (chrysocolla)
Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 4 in Fig. 2. (plagioclase with some copper present)
Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 5: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 3 in Fig. 2. C(hrysocolla)
Element map: This map shows where the named elements occur within the analyzed area. Its colors represent the laboratory’s selected element channels, rather than the specimen’s visible colors. The caption below preserves any color key or distribution noted by the laboratory.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 6: X-ray map of the area shown in Fig. 2. Left: Copper: blue, silicon: red. Right: Aluminum: yellow, silicon red.

Read the report as text

This transcription makes the laboratory findings, figure captions, and table values available without opening the page images. Refer to the original images above for visual details.

Laboratory report

                                                Analytical Result Report

Sample id: 92781 (sample 6)
Submitted by: K. Bitner
Date submitted: June 2, 2021.
Date completed: June 21, 2021.
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 26 mm working distance, 15
degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon. Using the X-ray fluorescence attachment with 35kVpotental in
conjunction with the EDS system.




Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimens #6, 5 cm maximum dimension of the specimen.




Fig. 2: Backscattered electron image of sample 6.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (chrysocolla)




Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 4 in Fig. 2. (plagioclase with some copper present)
Fig. 5: Energy dispersive spectral analysis of spot 3 in Fig. 2. C(hrysocolla)




Fig. 6: X-ray map of the area shown in Fig. 2. Left: Copper: blue, silicon: red. Right: Aluminum: yellow, silicon red.



Table 1: Composition of sample 1. (in wt. %)


 Silicon                                    25.22
 Aluminum                                   16.88
 Copper                                     3.22
 Calcium                                    1.11
 Iron                                       0.25
 Potassium                                  1.15
 Barium                                     0.07
 Sodium                                     75
Summary of findings: This specimen (Fig. 1) is pretty and has a story to tell. The oddly shaped grains in Figs. 2 and 6 are
likely mineralized volcanic ash shards. The embayments are typical. Compositionally, chrysocolla-rich domains are
present, mixed with feldspars or altered feldspars, typical for felsic volcanic ash. Volcanic ash is very reactive once
deposited and with moisture present, it will readily alter. This alteration can be due to weathering but also when
mineralizing fluids are present. Table 1 shows the bulk composition, only a little over 3% of copper are present in the
bulk whereas pure chrysocolla contains over 33 % copper. The specimen contains chrysocolla, but it is ‘diluted’ by
feldspars and other volcanic ash components. Most chrysocolla in the trade is not pure and contains a certain amount
of other minerals.

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Date: June 21, 2021                        Signature