Malachite
Image: Luc Viatour (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, banded green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityCongo
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, pigment, copper ore, collector
Associated Mineralsazurite, chrysocolla, cuprite, native copper
Raritycommon
Description
This image shows a close-up of malachite, displaying its characteristic concentric banding in various shades of vibrant green, from light to very dark, interspersed with some earthy brown sections. The surface exhibits a fibrous texture in places, contributing to its silky luster.
Geological Context
Malachite is a secondary copper mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, typically in limestone or dolomite, where copper-bearing solutions react with carbonate rocks. It often occurs as botryoidal, mammillary, or stalactitic masses.
