Malachite
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameMalachite
Chemical FormulaCu2(CO3)(OH)2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustersilky
Streak Colorlight green
Cleavageperfect on {201}, good on {001} (rarely observed)
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity3.9
Colorsbright green, dark green, blackish green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityClausthal-Zellerfeld, Harz Mts, Lower Saxony, Germany
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, pigment, minor copper ore
Associated Mineralscerussite, azurite, cuprite, native copper, goethite
Raritycommon
Description
Malachite is a vibrant green mineral, often forming botryoidal, stalactitic, or banded masses, displaying concentric patterns of varying green shades. The image shows a rich green malachite specimen with a botryoidal habit, associated with white cerussite.
Geological Context
Malachite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, resulting from the alteration of primary copper minerals by carbonic acid-rich waters. It is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions.
