Automated mineralogy techniques (QEMSCAN (R))are used to unravel the mineral and elemental composition of chrysocolla, a complex Cu-bearing silicate that is one of the major contributors of copper in heap leaching processes related to supergene Cu-exotic deposits. The Al and Fe(3+)substitution for Cu is well documented, however the correlation between physical characteristics (such as colour) and the interpretation of different common textures (such as banding) and other related changes of major or minor mineral composition is poorly understood. Continued investigation of the chemical variation of chrysocolla with time will contribute to understand how composition of mineralizing fluids changes and evolves during the formation of exotic-Cu deposits and thus provide new insights into their genesis.