top of page

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.

See More Photos ▸

Properties

Mineral Class

Carbonates

Hardness

7.5 - 8

Crystal System

Orthorhombic

Luster

Adamantine, Vitreous, Silky, Dull

Chemical Formula

Cu2CO3(OH)2

Streak

Light Green

Uses & Applications

Malachite has been used since ancient times as a gemstone and source of pigment. More recently, Malachite has become an occasional source of copper.

Associated Minerals

  • Atacamite

  • Aurichalcite

  • Azurite

  • Brocanthite

  • Calcite

  • Chalcedony

  • Chrysocolla

  • Cuprite

  • Limonite

Notable Localities

View More Malachite Localities ▸

Members-Illustration-Cover.png

Become a Member

Access all Prospector Minerals has to offer. For Free.

Varieties

Additional Resources

Share

Facebook
Twitter
Properties
Uses & Applications
Associated Minerals
Notable Localities
Varieties
Back
bottom of page