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monocliniccommonCarbonates
Malachite
Cu2(CO3)(OH)2
This specimen displays dark green malachite in a distinctive botryoidal (grape-like) habit, with a velvety or silky texture on its rounded surfaces. The specimen's crystal part is approximately 3 cm across and 5 cm long.
Malachite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
silkyStreak Color
light greenCleavage
perfect on {201}, good on {001} (rarely observed)Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
3.6Colors
green, dark green, blackish greenTransparency
translucentType Locality
Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia (Urals), Zambia, Namibia, AustraliaMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
gemstone, ornamental stone, pigment, minor copper ore, collectorAssociated Minerals
azurite, chrysocolla, cuprite, native copper, goethite, calciteRarity
commonGeological Context
Malachite is a secondary copper mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits, typically in arid or semi-arid regions. It precipitates from copper-rich solutions interacting with carbonate rocks or carbon dioxide.
