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 habit, 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 habit, and vitreous to silky luster.
Formation & geological history
Forms in the oxidation zones of copper ore deposits as a secondary mineral, often associated with azurite.
Uses & applications
Widely used as an ornamental stone for carvings, jewelry, and formerly as a green pigment.
Geological facts
Malachite has been mined for over 3,000 years, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula and ancient Egypt.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive green banding and effervescence when exposed to hydrochloric acid; found globally where copper deposits weather.
