mineral
Copper Ore Specimen with Malachite
Cuprite, Malachite, and Limonite matrix
Hardness varies from 3.5 to 4 for malachite and up to 4 for cuprite on the Mohs scale. Colors include various shades of brown and rust from iron oxides, with small patches of vibrant green (malachite) and hints of blue. Luster is earthy to sub-adamantine.…
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Physical properties
Hardness varies from 3.5 to 4 for malachite and up to 4 for cuprite on the Mohs scale. Colors include various shades of brown and rust from iron oxides, with small patches of vibrant green (malachite) and hints of blue. Luster is earthy to sub-adamantine. Crystal structure is monoclinic for malachite and isometric for cuprite.
Formation & geological history
Formed in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits through hydrothermal activity and subsequent weathering and secondary alteration of primary copper sulfides. Given the regional coordinates (Central Chile near Santiago), this aligns exceptionally well with the world-class porphyry copper deposits of the Andes.
Uses & applications
Primary source for copper extraction in metallurgy, and collected by mineral enthusiasts for display.
Geological facts
Chile is the world's leading producer of copper, and the central Andean region is famous for rich secondary copper mineralization containing beautiful associations of copper carbonates and oxides.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the characteristic reddish-brown iron-rich matrix combined with green copper secondary minerals. Common in copper-mining regions of Chile. Handle with care due to copper content.
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