Malachite
Image: Karolina Fok (CC BY 4.0)
Mineral NameMalachite
Chemical FormulaCu2(CO3)(OH)2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustersilky
Streak Colorlight green
Cleavageperfect on {001}, good on {010}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.9
Colorsgreen, dark green, banded green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityKatanga Province (DR Congo), Ural Mountains (Russia), Arizona (USA), Broken Hill (Australia)
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, pigment, copper ore, collector
Associated Mineralsazurite, chrysocolla, cuprite, native copper, limonite
Raritycommon
Description
This image shows a close-up of malachite, revealing its characteristic fibrous, radiating crystal habit with a vibrant green color and a silky luster.
Geological Context
Malachite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, often found in association with other copper minerals. It precipitates from copper-rich solutions in limestone or dolomite.
