Malachite
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/51035581380@N01">Deidre Woollard</a> (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameMalachite
Chemical FormulaCu2(CO3)(OH)2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustersilky
Streak Colorlight green
Cleavageperfect on {201}, good on {001}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.9
Colorsgreen, dark green, banded green
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityKambove Mine, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, pigment, minor copper ore, collector
Associated Mineralsazurite, chrysocolla, cuprite, native copper, goethite, calcite
Raritycommon
Description
A vibrant green mineral, often forming botryoidal, stalactitic, or fibrous masses, frequently with concentric banding. The specimen in the image is a polished, rounded piece, showcasing its characteristic deep green color.
Geological Context
Malachite is a secondary mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, often in association with other copper minerals. It precipitates from copper-rich solutions in limestone or other carbonate rocks.
