Chrysocolla hails from all over the world, including places like Israel, the Congo, Peru, Australia, Mexico, Chile, and even in the U.S. (namely, Arizona). When you first get a glimpse of the gemstone Chrysocolla, the name that might pop into your mind may be another, totally different gemstone altogether.

Take a look for yourself:

Chrysocolla is often mistaken for turquoise, and even may be mislabeled as turquoise, as well. But, the two gemstones are totally different, starting with the lack of durability and low hardiness that Chrysocolla exhibits. As you can see, though, Chrysocolla does have the easy to fall in love with bluish-green coloring and the mottled appeal, often mottled with brownish or reddish veins, and is not normally treated or enhanced.

To add more hardiness to this gemstone, it is often mixed (or coated) with quartz to create a stronger, more longer lasting stone. Just be sure that when you purchase a beautiful jewelry piece that is labeled as "turquoise" that it is not this cheaper, less durable stone, known as Chrysocolla.  However, if you want to save a little money on a new piece of jewelry, you could look at this as an alternative to turquoise, and nobody will be the wiser!