Malachite Gemstone & Information | Gemopedia by JTV | Gemopedia™

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
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Malachite classification
CommonNameMalachiteSpeciesMalachiteVarietyColorsVivid, Bluish Green To Green, Usually Banded In Two Shades Of GreenAlternateNamesGemstoneGroupsKeySeparationsRI, birefringence blink and appearanceClassificationCommentsMisnomer: pseudo-emerald -
Malachite chemistry & crystallography
ChemicalNamecopper carbonate hydroxideChemicalFormulaCu2CO3(OH)2SynthesisCrystalSystemMonoclinicChemistryClassificationCarbonateNatureNaturalCrystallinityAggregateChemistryComments -
Malachite optical properties
TransparencyOpaqueDispersionOpticalCommentsRefractiveIndexOver the Limit 1.655-1.909Birefringence0.254OpticCharacterOpticSignPolariscopeReactionDoubly Refractive (DR)FluorescenceSWUV: inert
LWUV: inertCCFReactionPleochroismNone -
Malachite characteristic physical properties
Hardness3.5-4CharacteristicCommentsStreakLight GreenSpecificGravity3.25-4.1 Typical:3.95ToughnessPoorInclusionsMalachite 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.LusterVitreousStabilityFractureUneven, SplinteryCleavagePerfect, in one direction, Good, in one direction