Malachite
Image: Enric (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameMalachite
Chemical FormulaCu2(CO3)(OH)2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustersilky
Streak Colorlight green
Cleavageperfect on {001}, good on {100} (rarely observed)
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.9
Colorsgreen, dark green, banded green
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityKatanga, R.D. del Congo
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, pigment, minor copper ore, collector
Associated Mineralsazurite, cuprite, native copper, goethite, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features a vibrant green, botryoidal (grape-like) aggregate of malachite, forming rounded, bubbly masses with a velvety appearance. Its rich color and distinctive texture are characteristic.
Geological Context
Malachite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, often in arid or semi-arid regions. It precipitates from copper-rich solutions near the Earth's surface, frequently replacing other copper minerals.
