Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
monocliniccommonCarbonates
Malachite
Cu2(CO3)(OH)2
Malachite is a striking green mineral, often forming botryoidal or stalactitic masses with characteristic concentric banding of varying shades of green, as seen in the image with its fibrous texture.
Malachite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
3.5Crystal System
monoclinicLuster
silkyStreak Color
light greenCleavage
perfect on {201}, good on {001} (often not observed)Fracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
3.9Colors
green, light green, dark green, banded greenTransparency
translucentType Locality
Concepción del Oro, MexicoMineral Group
CarbonatesUses
jewelry, ornamental stone, pigment, minor copper oreAssociated Minerals
quartz, azurite, cuprite, native copper, goethite, calciteRarity
commonGeological Context
It is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, resulting from the alteration of primary copper minerals by carbonated waters.
