Malachite
Malachite is a green basic copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. The mineral often forms in fibrous, botryoidal, and stalagmitic masses. Malachite has been prized since ancient times as a gemstone, with such use dating back to Ancient Egypt. Like the other copper carbonate hydroxide, Azurite, Malachite crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system.
Uses
Malachite has been used since ancient times as a gemstone and source of pigment. More recently, Malachite has become an occasional source of copper.
| Properties | |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Cu2CO3(OH)2 |
| Hardness | 7.5-8 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Mineral Class | Carbonates |
| Luster | Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky, Dull |