mineral
Malachite
Cu2CO3(OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 3.5 to 4. Bright green color with distinctive banding patterns and botryoidal habits. Vitreous to dull luster with perfect cleavage in one direction and a specific gravity of 3.6 to 4.0.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Malachite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4. Bright green color with distinctive banding patterns and botryoidal habits. Vitreous to dull luster with perfect cleavage in one direction and a specific gravity of 3.6 to 4.0.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary copper mineral in the weathering zone of copper ore deposits, typically in limestone caves and void spaces.
Uses & applications
Widely used as an ornamental gemstone for carvings, beads, and cabochons, as well as a minor ore of copper.
Geological facts
Ancient civilizations used malachite ground into powder as a pigment for paintings and cosmetics. Its distinctive concentric green rings make it instantly recognizable.
Field identification & locations
Identified easily by its vibrant green color and effervescence when exposed to hydrochloric acid. Commonly sourced from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Russia, and Australia.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous