Glittering Stones >> Semi precious stones >> Malachite

Semi Precious Stone Malachite

Malachite from the Democratic Republic of Congo Malachite is the carbonate mineral, copper (II) carbonate hydroxide Cu2CO3 (OH)2. It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, and actually most often forms botryoidally, fibrous, and stalagmites masses. Individual crystals are rare, but do occur as slender to acicular prisms. Pseudo morphs after more of the tabular and blocky azurite crystals also occur.

Historical Facts of Malachite

Hardness: 3.5 - 4 on Mohs Scale

Crystal habit: Massive, botryoidal, stalactitic

Crystal system: Monoclinic - prismatic

Density: 3.6 - 4

Color: Green

Luster: Dull/Vitreous

Occurrence: Zambia, Tsumeb, Namibia, Ural mountains, Russia; Mexico, Broken Hill, New South Wales, England, Lyon

Gemstones Jewelry Malachite