Chrysocolla  is an alluring, vivid blue-green color and is often mistaken for turquoise because they share many visual similarities.   Legend has it that eilat stone was originally mined in King Solomon’s mines in Africa. The rich, vibrant blue and green colors of chrysocolla are reminiscent of looking down upon the earth’s surface from space.

For thousands of years chrysocolla has been known throughout the world as a stone of calming reconciliation and reassurance. In ancient Egypt, it was called the “wise stone” because it shielded and encouraged the mind during negotiations. Those who wore it generally came up with clever compromises and resolutions. This stone also has the ability to help people who are violent to become more sensitive and tolerant which is why, as an ambassador, Cleopatra wore chrysocolla jewelry everywhere she went.

Chrysocolla can be found wherever large copper deposits occur, most notably in Africa, Mexico and the state of Arizona. Apache chrysocolla from the state of Arizona is a mixture of chrysocolla, turquoise, jasper, lapis, malachite and quartz crystal minerals. The history of Apache chrysocolla being used as a stone of gentle healing coincides with the history of other cultures. Legends originating in Far East places such as Tibet and Africa also tell of healings through the use of chrysocolla. It has often been called multi-colored turquoise and, until recently, was not considered a gemstone in its own right until it was cited as a semiprecious gem rock. Then it became a favored stone for jewelry symbolizing prosperity, luck and fortitude.