Name:

Malachite

Chem:

Cu2CO3(OH)2
basic copper carbonate

Crystal:

Monoclinic (usually not crystalline, often botryoidal masses)

Color:

light green --> dark green

Refrac. Index:

1.65 - 1.91

Birefraction:

0.021

Hardness:

4

Spec. Grav.:

3.8

Fracture:

splintery

Cleavage:

perfect

Environment:

oxidation zone of copper deposits

Association:

azurite, limonite, chalcopyrite

Locals:

| Ar., Calif., Nev, USA | Zaire | Chile | USSR |

Misc:

The name derived from the Greek word "malache", meaning "mallow" in reference to its green color or "malakos", meaning soft. Easily damaged by acids like all carbonates, and when subjected to heat it turns black.

Gem info:

Cut stones (usually cabochon) have been used since ancient Egyptian times as amulets, carvings, and even as powder for eye shadow. It has been used as a pigment for green paint. Today the best material comes from Zaire, Africa, is cut into cabs of all sizes. Less valuable than turquoise, jade, and lapis.

eye sample

line sample

azur-malachite