Malachite
Image: “Jon Zander (Digon3)" (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 in massive forms)
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.9
Colorsgreen, dark green, light green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityDemocratic Republic of Congo
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, pigment, minor copper ore, collector
Associated Mineralsazurite, chrysocolla, cuprite, native copper, goethite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen of malachite displays a vibrant green color with a botryoidal (grape-like) or mammillary texture, characterized by rounded, bubbly surfaces. Some areas show a slightly lighter, more bluish-green hue, possibly indicating variations in composition or associated minerals.
Geological Context
Malachite is a secondary copper carbonate mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, often found in arid or semi-arid regions. It typically precipitates from copper-rich solutions interacting with carbonate rocks like limestone.
