mineral
Malachite
Copper Carbonate Hydroxide, Cu2CO3(OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, distinct green color with concentric banding, botryoidal or fibrous crystal structure, and vitreous to silky luster.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, distinct green color with concentric banding, botryoidal or fibrous crystal structure, and vitreous to silky luster.
Formation & geological history
Forms in the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits, typically precipitated from copper-bearing hydrothermal solutions.
Uses & applications
Widely used as an ornamental stone, for decorative veneers, inlay work, and polished lapidary items.
Geological facts
Famous for its use in the Malachite Room of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, and historically ground into pigment for green paint.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic bright green color and banded patterns; reacts with acid due to carbonate content.
