Malachite Gemstone & Information | Gemopedia by JTV | Gemopedia™

Malachite

Malachite is generally opaque and comes in a vivid bluish green to green color. It is usually banded in two or more tones of green and may have a subtle sheen. This gem is a secondary copper mineral and is commonly found in conjunction with azurite, a bold blue copper carbonate mineral. A mix of the two minerals is often called azurmalachite.

Colors

Vivid, Bluish Green To Green, Usually Banded In Two Shades Of Green

  • Malachite classification

    CommonName
    Malachite
    Species
    Malachite
    Variety
    Colors
    Vivid, Bluish Green To Green, Usually Banded In Two Shades Of Green
    AlternateNames
    GemstoneGroups
    KeySeparations
    RI, birefringence blink and appearance
    ClassificationComments
    Misnomer: pseudo-emerald

  • Malachite chemistry & crystallography

    ChemicalName
    copper carbonate hydroxide
    ChemicalFormula
    Cu2CO3(OH)2
    Synthesis
    CrystalSystem
    Monoclinic
    ChemistryClassification
    Carbonate
    Nature
    Natural
    Crystallinity
    Aggregate
    ChemistryComments

  • Malachite optical properties

    Transparency
    Opaque
    Dispersion
    OpticalComments
    RefractiveIndex
    Over the Limit 1.655-1.909
    Birefringence
    0.254
    OpticCharacter
    OpticSign
    PolariscopeReaction
    Doubly Refractive (DR)
    Fluorescence
    SWUV: inert
    LWUV: inert
    CCFReaction
    Pleochroism
    None

  • Malachite characteristic physical properties

    Hardness
    3.5-4
    CharacteristicComments
    Streak
    Light Green
    SpecificGravity
    3.25-4.1 Typical:3.95
    Toughness
    Poor
    Inclusions
    Malachite is often seen with botryoidal growth, curved or angular banding alternating between lighter and darker shades of green. Stones may have fibrous structure and sheen. Stones might show scratches and dull polish due to low mohs hardness.
    Luster
    Vitreous
    Stability
    Fracture
    Uneven, Splintery
    Cleavage
    Perfect, in one direction, Good, in one direction