mineral
Malachite
Copper Carbonate Hydroxide, Cu2CO3(OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, vibrant green color, 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, vibrant green color, botryoidal or fibrous crystal structure, and vitreous to silky luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed in the oxidation zone of copper ore deposits, typically as a secondary mineral in limestone host rocks.
Uses & applications
Used widely as an ornamental stone, for gemstone carvings, in lapidary jewelry, and historically as a green mineral pigment.
Geological facts
Malachite has been mined for over 4,000 years, notably in the Sinai Peninsula and ancient Egypt, where it was also ground into eye makeup.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic bright green color and banded patterns in polished forms; found globally, including in the DRC, Australia, and the USA.
