Rock Identifier
Chrysocolla in Malachite (Cu2CO3(OH)2 (Malachite) / Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4·nH2O (Chrysocolla)) — mineral
mineral

Chrysocolla in Malachite

Cu2CO3(OH)2 (Malachite) / Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4·nH2O (Chrysocolla)

Hardness: 2-4 (Chrysocolla) to 3.5-4 (Malachite); Color: Vibrant green banding with cyan to deep blue patches; Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine (Malachite) or waxy/dull (Chrysocolla); Crystal Structure: Monoclinic (Malachite) / Amorphous (Chrysocolla); Specific Gravity: 2.0-4.0.

Hardness
2-4 (Chrysocolla) to 3
Color
Vibrant green banding with cyan to deep blue patches
Identified More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 2-4 (Chrysocolla) to 3.5-4 (Malachite); Color: Vibrant green banding with cyan to deep blue patches; Luster: Vitreous to sub-adamantine (Malachite) or waxy/dull (Chrysocolla); Crystal Structure: Monoclinic (Malachite) / Amorphous (Chrysocolla); Specific Gravity: 2.0-4.0.

Formation & geological history

Secondary mineral formed in the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits. Surface water reacts with copper-bearing minerals to precipitate these carbonates and silicates, often in stalactitic or botryoidal forms.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular collector's specimen. Historically used as a minor copper ore.

Geological facts

Malachite was used as a cosmetic pigment in ancient Egypt for eye shadow. When intergrown with Chrysocolla, the resulting stone is often called 'Eilat Stone' if sourced from Israel, though commonly found in the Congo and Arizona.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the distinctive 'eye-like' banding of green Malachite interspersed with the bright blue of Chrysocolla. Found near copper mines in DR Congo, Namibia, and the Southwestern USA. Collectors should watch for synthetic imitations made of resin or ceramic.

More like this

Other mineral specimens

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions) (Arenite (SiO2 based)) — sedimentary

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary
Epidote (Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) — metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic
Nephrite Jade (Nephrite) — Mineral/Rock

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble) (Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)) — Metamorphic Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock
Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral
Epidote (Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)) — mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral