mineral
Malachite
Copper Carbonate Hydroxide, Cu2CO3(OH)2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, vibrant green color with distinct banding, vitreous to silky luster, monoclinic crystal system, and perfect cleavage in one direction.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 3.5-4 on the Mohs scale, vibrant green color with distinct banding, vitreous to silky luster, monoclinic crystal system, and perfect cleavage in one direction.
Formation & geological history
Forms as a secondary copper mineral in the oxidation zone of copper ore deposits, often associated with azurite.
Uses & applications
Widely used as an ornamental gemstone for jewelry, carvings, and inlays, as well as a historical green pigment.
Geological facts
Malachite has been mined for over 3,000 years, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula and ancient Egypt, where it was ground into eyeshadow.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic bright green color, concentric banding, and effervescence when exposed to hydrochloric acid; found globally in major copper-producing regions.
